El Sleezo Cafe

What have I been up to? Well, since last blogging I traveled to El Paso, Tx in May to take a performance exam for the Registry Of Interpreters For The Deaf. It was like one of those wizards tests that Harry Potter has to pass. It normally takes 3 months to get the results, but due to a rush in numbers of "testies" (he he he) the evaluators have said it may take 5 to 6 months to hear back. I am not in an immediate rush although it does mean an increase in pay and more options as far as what work I can do. The reason I am not in a rush is I have a steady amount of work for the fall. I have enough work to keep me busy until about mid November.

After Leaving El Paso I ventured home to Detroit, Michigan. I went with no return ticket, and the goal of buying or leasing a vehicle while I was there and driving it back to Tucson when I was damn well good and ready. That is exactly what happened. I have shopped forever for a new mode of transportation, and I had no idea what I was going to be getting. I had looked at sports cars and pick-up trucks. I drove a few SUVs and some BMWs. I really could not decide on what to get. All I knew is that I wasn't going to buy the fucker back in Tucson. They take complete advantage of you and especially if you have a trade in. You better bring lots of lube because you are about to get FUCKED! (and without all the fun & kisses) Example: I was at a Jeep dealership in Tucson and the sales man quoted me a price for a Jeep Grand Cherokee of $490.00 per month for a 39 month lease with 15k miles per year. I was on the phone after with my friend Scott in Michigan (no not that Scott) Anyway he has a lease on the same SUV for over $200.00 less each month. Sound retarded? Well I decided to go with a 2004 Dodge Durango and I got a sweet deal on it. (Sign and drive lease) $325.00 month. I did have to deal with a shifty sales person, but honestly if you have good credit skip that BS. Walk into the Leasing agents office and make your deal. They will pretty much give it to you for what you want with in reason.

My new wheels. I dig 'em!

Since I was out of town with wheels I decided to do some work while I was there. I am finally getting an appreciation for having that option. I had a buddy that was out of work for about a year. I stepped off the plane and had work within 2 days. It is nice to be a freelance interpreter somedays. I had a great experience working in Michigan. I was paid better. Much better. Tucson is harsh to us and slow about changing. The cost of homes in Tucson went up 14% in 2003 and this year it is expected to go up another 16%. I can tell you that my pay doesn't reflect that here. The interpreters in Tucson have not had a raise in over 6 years. I did just get a 48 cents raise at one of the 4 agencies I work for. And it wasn't based on anything except that I am sure they felt like they had to. We are due for a big increase in wage here. Up the road 100 miles in Phoenix, Az. you can earn more than $5.00 more an hour. it doesn't cost me more that $5.00 more an hour to live there. And you can get more work there. I have no desire to live there, but it is close to Tucson and it maybe necessary to get a place there and work for a while. Anyway, back to Detroit. While in the Motor City, I worked for 2 agencies. There were more options, but I was kept busy enough. I needed some time for fun too. Those who know me know that I certainly made time for that. I want to show you a few buildings near one of the agencies I worked. The Agency is Deaf Options in downtown Detroit. They are located on the 6th floor of the Michigan building. I really enjoyed being there. There is a different kind of beauty in a city like Detroit.

This is hard to make out i am sure, but it is the side of the "United Artists" Building in Downtown Detroit. It has been left to rot.

The locals have taken it upon themselves to paint most of the windows in the entire building. United Artist? The building has become art itself. I wish I had a better camera at the time I took these.

Day time isn't too bad in this part of the city. It is just sad that it has been neglected. It is unappreciated, but there is a rich history here. These areas will have to be renovated soon. The casinos and new sports complexes demand it. I just hope it is done right.

Can you see where it says "Kill More... Solve Less" ? I bet they are talking about some other 3rd world country... Not Detroit. The buildings you are seeing are only 3 short blocks from the new Tiger Stadium (Comerica Park) And Ford Field where the Detroit Loins Play. Yes, I said play! The Lions beat the Chicago Bears yesterday and that is a good start to a new season.

I was also able to get over a few things while I was back in Michigan this summer. I dated for the first time since high school. Other than that the only dating I did was with someone i started seeing immediately, and trust me there have only been a few. This summer was good in many ways.

I did miss Tucson, Az though. And I brought two of my three nephews home with me. We road tripped and I think we got to know each other better. It was fun. I got to be the boss of them for the entire road trip and even got to boss them around at a water park in Oklahoma City for a day on the way back to Tucson. I left them for an extra day at my brother Mikey's house in El Paso, Tx. They got to spend more time with their Uncle, Aunt and Cousin. I got to drive the last 4 hours back to Tucson by myself. I pulled across the state line into Az and my smile was getting stupid! I hit the Tucson City limits about 2 minutes after sun had passed and it was about 103 degrees. I kicked off the air conditioner and dropped the windows. My face was starting to cramp from smiling so much. I couldn't get enough breaths of hot desert air into my lungs. I didn't cry and that is big for me, but man I felt home. I went to my house dropped off some bags then headed down to Plush where my friends were playing some lobby lounge music. I called a few folks to let them know I was back in town and they all came out. I was on a hot air high all night.