I like the anonymity of the web. I hesitate to talk to specifically about life events lest I inadvertently identify myself. I'm sure I'm not alone in feeling that way. If exposure becomes inevitable, I'm comfortable with it. Discussing this within the vacuum this blog exists in is tantamount to paranoia. As for now, I'm sure I'm safe.

Thus...

Looking out the window today, I'm watching 6 years of a struggle finally result in tangible progress. It doesn't sound like much, but I'm getting drainage improvements installed for the block. To say that I spearheaded the effort to get the county to do this, implies that I had help. Further, I did it will managing to avoid seeking relief through the civil courts, a very real option the entire way. We will see if any one thanks me for my work or restraint.

I don't have a lot of time to spend with this today, but I did have a couple thoughts I could share.

Fantasy
No, it's not always about women. I wonder if my involvement entitles me to the free use some of the construction equipment. They've got a little mini steam shovel I've got my eye on. I'd like to take it, extend the shovel straight out phallic style, then ram a hole in my neighbor/nemesis garage door, work the shovel in & out of the hole a few times. I think it'd be pretty clear what I'd be implying. Too subtle?

Send Me 5 Men
I've got about 15-20 guys on the block right now. Starting out, the county repeatedly sent me one, at most, two guys at a time. One guy can easily set anything aside. Two can easily conspire to "hot potato" something to oblivion. But 5 guys? That's a lot of finger pointing.
It can't just be any 5 guys either.
First, it has to be 5 guys none of which has a shovel in there truck. You need decision makers. Save the shovels for the end.
Second, they all have to be from the same agency or department. That way you avoid the interagency fumblerooski. If you hear, "Let's get Bob from Highway in on this" that's the equivalent of "I know a special tomb to drop this in so that we may never hear of it or pretend we've heard of it again".
Finally, surveyors don't count toward the 5. County use surveys to placate you. I call survey flags the illusions of progress. It's a low cost way to fool you into thinking something's being done. I've been surveyed so many times, I came to think the surveyors just took turns watching porn through that little sighting thing they carry around.

Anyway, middle age beckons, so I am off. I think I'm going to ask about that steam shovel on my way out.  ¶ 12:46 PM