like Groundhog Day...only not

Apparently, when one gets one's fingerprints taken for a criminal background check, it can take some time (like up to two weeks or longer) to get the results back. Usually, however, when large institutions (like the one at which I'll be working) request these reports, it takes no more than a few day(s)..as in plural. Silly me. I thought I'd be reporting to work in the AM tomorrow. Nope. My criminal record report (fingerprint check) has yet to clear.

Now, I know I don't have a criminal background, so I shouldn't fret, right? But, for some odd reason, the report not clearing instantly has me insanely worried. It's as if I peed in a cup for a drug test knowing damn well that (as an asthmatic) I don't smoke weed only to have the test results delayed...and then convincing myself that the random puff of pot from some Venus Beach hippie (wannabe or has-been) that I inhaled while riding along The Strand last week has somehow infiltrated my system and caused a (false) positive on my test!

Same thing with the criminal background check. What if somehow I left fingerprints at some store just seconds before it was robbed by an armed criminal wearing gloves? What if those (my) fingerprints have been sitting in an FBI file somewhere, waiting to be identified and, lo and behold, I take this fingerprint, criminal background check for a job and get arrested for armed robbery? What if I end up in prison with other hardened criminals, including Sallie, a rather large, hairy-yet-estrogen-filled cellmate who finds me ever so cute? Seriously...I do think this sh*t happens to people.

Sigh.

Anyway, I didn't come on here to reveal my paranoia. I really came on to share photos of (what I thought was) my last day of unemployment. You see, I finally, after seven days, went riding! Along the ocean too, which was a perfect place to ride this morning.




I headed out later than planned (no surprise there) but was parked in a beach lot in Santa Monica just before 9:00am. I was talking to Dad on the phone while parking and mentioned to him how excited I was to start work, come home for Christmas and to call my Grandma, whom I've not called even once since her hip operation three months ago (I will and should burn in hell for this egregious behavior). Dad said he'd called and told Grammy about my job and how excited she is for me. To know that I have that beautiful woman (whom I love with all my heart despite my having not called her) in my corner was (and is) enough to start my morning off on a high. I clipped in and headed off, rolling on Nellie toward Venice Beach, smiling ear to ear.




It was a tad foggy down by the ocean today, cool and refreshing too. I had slipped on arm warmers, but they were peeled off within 20 minutes of my ride. I was alone, opting not to plan a rendezvous with anyone so as to keep things loosey-goosey. I was okay with this and deep in thought, riding along the waves. There was hardly a soul out, just a cyclist here and there and a few well-behaved pedestrians and skaters.





I basically rode from the south end of Santa Monica to the middle of Dockweiler Beach before turning around. Nothing outstanding, just a good cardio workout. I kept it in the big ring the whole way to work my legs, which were buzzing from the opportunity to ride. My mind was both on The Strand and elsewhere as I thought over my future and the last year's revelations.





The only time I was fully in the moment was when a lovely flock of birds (pigeons? seagulls? crows?) flew in perfect formation in front and above me as if both flirting with me and performing some synchronized routine for my benefit only. I was so amused and happy and content and...well, just thrilled to be out there for what I thought would be my last weekday coastal ride (for awhile anyway). Now...I just might go out there again tomorrow morning, which would kind of be like Groundhog Day...only not.



After my ride, I spent time cleaning my car out (took less time than I thought) and enjoying the coastal breezes. It was then off to do a little more shopping (for some additions to my work wardrobe), lunch at Soup Plantation, a dry-cleaners drop-off and a car cleaning (professional). Who knew? My car is burgundy! The paint is chipped, scratched and fading, however. It's clean, though, inside and out! The man at the shop offered to detail it for $120 - wax, buffer and 'spot paint blemishes' on the outside while shampooing and detailing the inside. I may take him up on it in the future (after shopping around for a better price, of course), but for now...I'm so happy it's clean!

Now? I blog, then hit the hay. Tomorrow, I'm doing a near repeat of today (minus the car stuff) and I may have lunch with Herbie. Last one (sniff). Once I start working for real, I won't be able to drive (pedal) to Montrose like I did before. Oh well, some things have to be sacrificed for income, I suppose.