You might remember, that back in October of last year, I was involved in a traffic accident at the intersection of York Road and Schilling Circle. You might even remember that angry at the poor traffic control on that section of York Road (traffic got a lot worse with the opening of the Wegman’s on Shawan Road), I e-mailed the Baltimore County government about the possibility of installing a light at that intersection. Turns out York Road is a state — not county — responsibility.

Judith Mongan responded to me within a day, writing in part, “We are forwarding a copy of your e-mail to SHA and are asking them to respond directly to your request. ”

Ever wondered what that “directly” means? I’ll tell you.

It means a request forwarded to the State Government on October 14th, will be responded to on … April 18th. Yes, it’s correct, I recieved an e-mail from Bob S., a Transportation Team Leader, District 4 SHA, today which reads:

Thank you for the email concerning your suggestion that a signal be installed on MD 45 @ Schilling Road.

We have reviewed this intersection several times in the past and found that it did not meet signal warrants. We will update our traffic information to see if the increase in traffic makes the installation of a traffic signal the appropriate traffic control device for the existing conditions.

We will be able to give you our decision by the middle of July. In the meantime if you have any questions, please respond to this email or give me a call at 410-xxx-xxxx

Of course, I’m sure he’s a busy, hardworking, dedicated guy, and I appreciate the non-form-letter response, and I hope in July they decide to put a light in. But I mean … half a year?

So here we are (here I am, anyway), April 18th, and for (only) the second time since I’ve been on this diet (the first was the week of January 31st), I have to report that I have neither lost weight, nor stayed at a consistent weight. I have gained back two pounds — last week I was 223, so, y’know, do the math. (223 + 2 = 225).

For this week? Dinner tonight with my folks and my grandmother, a party Saturday night, and a full work schedule every day. So, while I’m sure I’ll fall off the wagon tonight and Saturday, that leaves me five other days to be mucho mucho careful about what I’m eatin’. (I might, maybe, even do some exercise, possibly. But don’t hold me to that).

(Also, I need to get my car’s brakes looked at. They’re feelin’ funny).

(My Mom’s Mom, so, y’know, no funny comments about bringing up the corpses for family dinners or what have you).