Veteran’s Day 2024

I couldn’t go to sleep last night. Even though I worked all day, I stayed up. At 2 AM I made a pot of coffee. As I drank my coffee I kept cruising on X.com and following the nominations, and other odd bits like polls hosted by various Trump pages. Some asked whether Pelosi should be prosecuted. Or Milley court martialed. The man went behind the back of a sitting United States President.

At about 6 AM, I got in the car and drove. I was driving to the IHOP in East Chase. I had stayed up listening to my music too. So, I never went to sleep. I was so excited to be able to tell Jack about my plans to go back to school. So, I drove and drove. At about 6:30 I pulled into the parking lot. Jack came along eventually. We got inside about five minutes before breakfast. But they were obliging and went ahead and served us.

My pancakes came with blueberries and other fruits on them. I asked the water to bring me a different plate, which he did. I was so happy for that. I told Jack everything I had told you guys, about going back to school and my progress so far. He told me I should talk to Pete Finch, at the Veteran’s Assistance Office. We also talked about politics. Jack said, “DemoKKKrats are dumb” lol. I was so happy to reconnect with Jack, he always finds a way to make me laugh.

We left soon after we finished our meals. We left a tip- breakfast was free, since it was Veteran’s Day- and departed IHOP. I went home, and was about to go to bed. But I realized Jack was right- I should talk to Pete. I laid down for a bit, but couldn’t get to sleep. So, I got up, put my clothes on and headed to the Sweet Center.

It took me a minute to find the new visitor parking. You pay by the hour, by license plate. So, I paid for my parking ticket, and headed to the Center. when I got there, they greeted me. I asked, “Could I get an appointment to speak with Pete?” One of the workers at there desk asked him if I needed an appointment. But he said No, that he would see me, but it would be a minute.

So, I waited in a chair they had. The Sweet Center sure had changed since I last was there. Where the desk was sitting, they previously just had tables there. Me, Jack, and the gang would play UNO. Now, the counter and desk were taking up the space. My how things had changed. After a few minutes Pete came out.

Pete began looking at my record. He acknowledged the last time I took a class was in 2019, in the Fall. Then, he started signing me up for Veterans Upward Bound TRiO. TRiO is not an acronym. After I filled out some paperwork, Pete told me he needed my DD-214 and a 1040 from 2023. He said I could bring those to him that afternoon, scan and e-mail them, or bring them on Wednesday. I was just going to go home and go to sleep. But that didn’t sit right with me. I wanted to make some actual progress.

So, I got in my car, and drove all the way to H&R Block. But H&R Block was closed, so I thought to myself, “Surely I packed my 1040 in my trunk” so I checked once. Couldn’t find it. The second time I checked, I finally found it. By God’s grace I managed to pack my 1040 when I left Washington. So, I hurried on to the house, and picked up my DD-214. Then, I began heading back to UTA. This time I didn’t have any problem finding the parking.

After I gave my documents to Pete, he scheduled me for an interview on Wednesday. It can be over the phone he said. Which works great for me, I will probably be at work. I even told Pete about my plan to just take one class. Then, two classes. Then three, and if all goes well four classes. I think TRiO might be for full time, but it sounds like he is willing to make an exception.

Then, I heard from both Julie Flores and Evelyn Sanchez. I was able to log into MyMav and note the progress of my application. I still have two holds. Finally, I was able to drive home, and go to sleep. About 3:30 PM I awoke again, and couldn’t go back to sleep. At first I was going to go see my Mom, but nobody was home. So, I drove to Texas Roadhouse and ordered a 16 oz steak. With fries, and rice.

That was my meal at Texas Roadhouse. As you can see, I ordered it medium rare this time. It was delicious.

Well, all in all, I had a pretty eventful day. I feel I got a lot done. Plus, I got to see Jack, and Pete.