Holiday Light

It has been a while, so here are some Holiday Highlights:

Johnny's surgery went well. I signed some papers and almost passed out in the recovery area when the nurse tried to tell me about the potential of some drainage from the punctures in her knee. She is now going to physical therapy 2-3 times/week and will probably be off her crutches in a week or so.

I found out that my new job's insurance doesn't have a pre-existing condition clause, so I don't have to get COBRA or some bull.

I gave my notice on Friday. I was out that day and the company sent everyone home early, so when I arrived at 4:30, only my supervisor remained. We had a nice talk about it. His response: It's not that surprising. About 1 in 3 people we hire don't work out for some reason.
Whew, what a relief.

He sent out a departmental email announcing my departure yesterday. When I arrived today one of my first responders said "How dare you." What? I said, "How dare I get a job I enjoy?" So there.

Holiday stuff was really fun, and we got to go around and see the various family members. We spent the night in Indiana with Johnny's family on xmas eve rather than drive there twice, and we planned to take Zoey with us, since there isn't a dog-sitter. The morning before we left she decided to chew through the top of a vitamin bottle and eat about 30 or so flax oil capsules. We immediately put her outside and called the vet. They said she'd be okay, but that there might be some diarrhea occuring, so to be on the lookout. As if we'd miss that. She seemed okay, so we loaded up the car around 5 or so and headed out. I had lined the back seat with a tarp and a blanket, in case of such a tragedy, which we thankfully avoided. It was time to eat as soon as we got there, so we went in and everything was fine. Johnny's brother's girlfriend just had a little boy so there was lots of cute baby-ness happening. I went to the car to get the baby's presents and found that Zoey had surreptitiously puked on them. Luckily, we used a not-very-paper-like wrapping and set it in an unwrappable baby-tub so I just cleaned it up.

As yesterday's grand finale, we went to see The Weatherman for $0.50 movie tuesdays.

Oh my god. I nearly forgot. I totally got to meet Evan Dando, and i did call him Evan to his face. It went like this:

Johnny's cousin: Dewey this is Evan, Evan, Dewey.

Me: Evan, nice to meet you.

Like I was going to forget his name or something. Other tidbits:
We shook hands.
He was really just as cute in person as you can imagine.
His wife, mom, sister and cousin were also there, and very nice.
He played Led Zepplin on repeat in the green room and almost left without his iPod.

it was great, thanks for asking

But it was the longest haircut I have ever had. Really, the longest. I got to this place and it is the kind of place where there is an ambient fountain in the lobby, and they offer you a complimentary beverage. So that was a little weird in itself.

The hair-guy's ASSISTANT washed and dried my hair, then straightened all of it with a flat iron. This is his technique, see, to straighten and then cut it when it is dry. The actual cutting portion of the evening took about 45 or 50 minutes.

The end result is rather nice...lots of layers, a little shorter without "losing the length" and a hint of bang. I like it, but I am not sure if I will go back. The biggest reason is because the environment is so freakin' suburban, it is just weird to be in there. Here is a brief description of some of the characters:

Assistant: About 25, white, female, short messy-looking brown hair, nice eyebrows, glittery shoes.
When I told her that I shaved my head in college, she acted like she didn't hear me, and then said, "Wait, did you shave your head, seriously?"

Hair-guy: about 35, white, bleached blond hair, scruffy beard, skinny pants, tattoo sleeve, diesel longhorn belt buckle with matching bracelet. I was convinced he was gay. He asked me twice if I had kids, and I said no. I finally got the hint and asked if HE had kids. He does, of course, and then told me all about them.

Mom: No, not my mom. This lady was there with her daughter. About early 50s, but trying to pass for 40, white, wearing stilleto clogs with fur lining. I know about the fur because while she was waiting for her highlights she took one off and examined it, then replaced it and admired her foot for about 2 minutes before returning to her compelling issue of Harpers. She brought a gift for her hairdresser. It was an ornament avatar of a hairdresser. At the checkout, she announced that she also got one for her "nail tech."

Daughter: Embarrassed of her mom.

Trophy wife:
I didn't actually see this woman until I was on the way out, despite the fact that she was sitting in the chair next to me. I did, however, overhear this intriguing convo upon her entrance.
Hair-lady: So, what do you want to do today?
TW: "I can't wash, dry or flat iron my hair! I just had surgery and can't raise my arms."
Me: [You just had a boob job!]

I tell myself that maybe I am being judgmental, so I agree (with myself) that I will see what she looks like before I apply some stereotype, but my hair is being cut, and I can't turn to look at her!
I listen to several more conversations on fashion, makeup, and her recent cruise until the moment arrives. And guess what.

Trophy wife: about 25, white, bleached blond, about 120 pounds, tan.

Boob job.

snip

i have been growing my hair for a few years now. When i first started my previous job, my hair was about 4-6 inches long in the front, and short in the back, but now it is well down my back. A few months ago I went to this place that I used to go to when I was in college and felt like it worked out okay, but I wasn't thrilled with the results.
My sis-in-law always looks really great, and always has a nice, fashionable haircut, which i compliment her on. She recommended that I go see her hairdresser guy, so I finally got his number.
Apparently he has this technique which includes straightening the hair before cutting it, so when i got there he said he didn't think he'd have enough time to do it "right."
Not a very good start, right? I decided to give him a chance and reschedule, because scarlett's hair really does look great, so tonight is the night. Wish me luck!

Red-faced, but not from the cold

My cell phone has always been an older model with no frills. So when we moved here and I got a new phone, I got one that takes photos and has fancy rings and everything (admittedly, because it was on sale).
I have, over time, been collecting sounds from people to customize as their rings or text message notifications, and so forth. I got the best one for Johnny here (.wav) which you really should listen to. You will really really love it.

I went to lunch a little bit ago and when I got back, I noticed that Johnny had called. As I was calling her back, I heard someone calling my name. I look around my cubicle and heard my neighbor say, "we like your ring." At first, I was thinking, I have never shown you my ring! But then I realize I had forgotten to silence my phone and the sound of Johnny's voice was echoing through the giant room of cubicles known as my workplace. This is the actual view from my cube, from about a foot and a half above my head.

If you didn't already listen to the ringer, do it now, while looking at this picture. My coworkers, who sit in the cubes next to me are ladies who have known one another for years, listen to the same soap opera every day and bring one another cakes for their birthdays. "We like your ring." hmph.

This is not the first time this has happened. I was buying opera tickets and it blared out at the box office. I was carpooling with my coworker and she practically ran off the road in shock. I guess what I am getting at is that I am now officially recruiting for more embarrassing rings to assign to your call. I will also accept photos.

Ahem.

Johnny and I are going to get committment ceremonied.

Some of you might know that I have a fairly long history of being skeptical of weddings, and of long-term relationships in general. Some of you might also know that Johnny has been asking me to "marry" him about every other day for almost 4 years. At first, I was just saying no, but then i started feeling mean about it. I didn't want to be a jerk, i just didn't want to be married. So, many long conversations and many I-Love-You's-disguised-as-proposals later, I have finally decided that I want to do it. I think it will also act as a validator for our relationship, both for us and for other people--specifically my family. I told my carpooling co-worker that we were going to do it, and the first thing she asked was "Do you guys want to have kids?" At that moment, I realized what a great decision I had made. People don't ask you that unless they know you are in a committed relationship, not even if you have been together for 15 years (which we haven't, by the way).

On the other hand, I told my mom and she said "Oh, cool!" That was it. We fell into a crevasse of silence so I just changed the subject. When I told my sister-in-law, she said, "So you guys are serious then?" Hello? We own a house together. A house. It is big. And we live in it. And it costs a lot of money. My family is awkward but Johnny's family is an entirely different story. I don't know what will happen there.

It probably will be over a year before we actually have it, we haven't chosen a season, much less a date. One thing I know, it will be fun. Maybe we could just not have weird family people there. We could add a clause to the invitation that says, "If you are going to be weird, please stay home." Would that be rude?

Obviously, I will let you know as plans develop.

For now, I am being excited about our New York Trip! Woo! Apparently there are 2 shows, Friday and Saturday, and we are expected to attend both. Maybe by the time we get back there Saturday, Evan and I will be good friends. My goal for the weekend is to address Evan by his first name without giggling or asking for his autograph.

I tell ya...

One thing I am going to miss after I leave here (aside from the Nelson guy, who wore a Tesla t-shirt last week!) is the cafeteria. Not that the food is especially awesome, they don't have many vegetarian options aside from salads and grilled cheese. The thing I will miss is the dessert bar. I am most recently addicted to this chocolate pudding parfait. They also make a mean pecan pie.

sick beats

Last night Johnny brought her hot coworker over for a drink. She has a Bettie Page haircut and is really funny and nice. We sat around for about 5 hours drinking and eating dinner and this morning I woke up with a mysterious hangover. I finally ate some french fries for lunch and I feel better. Why does grease help a hangover? It is so weird.

I went for my flu shot at 11. I haven't had one since college, and was a little worried about it because I don't deal well with shots. I didn't pass out, and everything seems to be fine.

Did I mention yet that the new season of the L-word starts on Jan 8.? Since the Eagles don't play on Sunday this week, we have scheduled a L-word-previous-season-catch-up party. For those of you who saw the last two seasons, you should read Donna's L-word Treatise, which includes fashion commentary and dog opinion.

Hermey

I was watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer last night on TV with Johnny and Jake, and I was thinking about how a few years ago I was given the Hermey Bobblehead as a gift. I was getting all sentimental, like: "oh, i miss my friends from Philly," and "oh, I am going to miss winters in the city" and "oh, wasn't that a nice gift that time, because they somehow KNEW that i liked that aspiring dentist" and so on.

Then Johnny says to me, "Remember that time when we got you that Hermey bobblehead because your haircut looked like his?"

I pointed out that, NO, I didn't remember that, because no one ever TOLD me that was why I got it. I just thought people were being thoughtful. She lamely followed up with a downcast look and a "um, you looked cute with that haircut though..?"

It's snowing again.

Today I found out that Link Wray died last Sunday. The Goddess got Johnny and I to go see him a couple of years back at a place in Germantown. He had long silver hair, a motorcycle jacket and a rocking guitar. Here's to you, Mr. Wray.

with an eye patch

I just learned that there is a subject heading for Hot Pants... and it can be subdividided geographically.

Johnny's fancy rock-n-roll family is giving us the perfect excuse to visit NYC on the 17th and attend a show! Not only do we get to see the cousin, but we get to stay with Bevin too!

Here's a Happy Pirate Birthday wish to Shasta: Arrg!

Johnny quote

While we were watching Monday Night Football, Johnny pointed out an interesting set of facts, when taken together.

1. The Eagles started winning regularly around the same time we moved to Philadelphia.
2. The Eagles started really sucking when we moved away.
3. The Bengals and the Colts have both started winning since we moved back to the Midwest.

Interesting, don't you think? I told her that it sounded like we needed to move to Cleveland.

Here's another conversation we had:

Commercial: "blah, blah John-Paul Gossler...blah blah."

Johnny (without looking at the TV): Who is that guy? his name sounds familiar.

Me: (without looking at the TV): I think he was on a teen drama...wasn't he the young guy from 90210?

Johnny: Oh, the guy i met while on whippets when i worked at Starbucks?



What???


(p.s. I did eventually realize that he played Zach from Saved by the Bell, and we agreed that he was probably glad he didn't have to deal with Kelli Kapowski anymore.)

Goodbye to sweatpants and two-liters

Some of you might have guessed that I am a little less than enchanted with my job. Maybe "cataloging factory" tipped you off? Well, I have been keeping my options open in that actively-looking kind of way. Long story short, I completely scored a tenure-track gig at the university located less than 2 miles from my house. When I got home from work, Johnny totally presented me with this gorgeous bouquet made ENTIRELY of flowers from our yard:

All that beauty, and in November!!

So I will start in January and I will again be able to wear a skirt or dress shoes without being overdressed. I haven't told the current job yet, so don't say anything. I plan to give them at least 3-4 weeks notice, but I have a feeling they will be weird about my departure. I will certainly let you know how it goes.

On Saturday I went back to yoga the first time in months and I am still a little sore in the shoulder region. After that, we watched the football game and ate pizza. Sunday, we went to breakfast when The Goddess called and told us that she and The Man are totally getting married. Johnny can fully take credit for this relationship--ever since she invited The Man over for an introductory "cookout" and he completely brought fish kabobs. What a great move on his part, especially since The Goddess is a food snob. Congratulations you guys!

Today Zoey went to the vet to have her reproductive organs surgically removed. There was a bit of trouble finding the place this morning which resulted in frantic phone calls from Johnny trying to get directions before she was late for class at 8. I picked her up (Zoey, not Johnny) at 4:30 and she was stumbling about like she'd had a few too many glasses of bubbly. Her eyes were all droopy and she walked really slow. I thought for a minute she might try to drink-and-dial someone from her past. She didn't, but she did get sick in my backseat.

All that, and we are supposed to get an inch of snow tonight.

Go Bucks!

This weekend is the big Ohio State vs. Michigan game. Michigan is a big OSU rival, and as the last game of the season, it has major draw. In Columbus, even people who don't watch football watch this game. People talk about it all the time, it is always being discussed on the radio, every bar in town is having gameday drink specials (even the cafeteria here is having a special OSU/Michigan lunch menu today) -- and there is a game countdown on the OSU library website. We are having people over to watch it, even though we already have a Sunday full of football planned.


The OSU marching band is also a big deal, for some reason. Today the OSU Alumni Band is making an appearance at the other building of my work. That's just weird.

p.s. McMahon is starting for the Eagles?!? Whoa. We'll see how that goes.

jingle bells and fuzzy slippers

it is totally snowing. well, flurries, but there was a light dusting on the car and in the yard this morning, and the flakes keep falling. and melting.

It is so romantic, the first snow of the year. Our little pond had snow covered rocks that were so charming to look at when i let zoey out. it makes me want to just drink hot chocolate or port and think about lofty things, and maybe write in a notebook.

Instead, tonight, i will go to 9-year-old's birthday party. Johnny's soccer mom bosses (the one in the background. thanks, bevin) planned a party at the downtown ice skating rink for their son. It will be really fun, even though i am super bad at ice skating. i need to find my scarf.

Old news

I know the weekend was 3 days ago, but we did so much fun stuff, i just have to go back and tell you all about it.

Friday, after we went to our new-favorite Japanese restaurant, we went to see our friends Debbie and Paula who were visiting from their new hometown, Seattle. They were planning to meet us at Club Diversity downtown because there was a Gay Swim Team fundraiser there and it would be fun for everyone to go and see one another. After we ate, we made the near-fatal error of going home and watching a movie. Shockingly, we got off the couch and went out to this place.

Club D was SO WEIRD. It is basically a big house which has been turned into a bar, but it was packed full of drunk gay men. I saw at least 4 drinks spilled during the 10 minutes we stayed there. And this was at 10:30. We discovered that Debbie and Paula had gone to a place called Somewhere Else (ooh, clever, right?) down the street so we went there. Also weird, but in a different way. I was happy to see lots of people I hadn't seen in a long time, plus the Two Blondes (Melanie & Betsy) and their friends Nikki and Betsy, who both work in the medical field.

Saturday we went to Indiana for Johnny's dad's birthday and on the way back we went to Jungle Jim's in Cincinnati. This place is CrAzY, it is like an amusement park of grocery stores. Really. They have oversize fiberglass animals out front and a shuttle from the parking lot to the store. We got back just in time to go to Hospital Couple's house for dinner and games. We ate delicious curry, drank wine and champagne and played Cranium. Our team won, in case you wondered.

Sunday I raked up some of the leaves and trimmed back a good number of the shrubs in the yard. It looks like a deserted playground without all the greenery. Yesterday I noticed a rose on the rosebush. I am considering cutting it because it is supposed to freeze tonight. If I do, i will try to post a photo of it, because it is really beautiful.

After that, we went to surprise our friend Julie for her birthday, which was a true surprise because her birthday was two months ago. A group of us met upthere and went to see Shopgirl. I liked it.

Knee animation

You should seriously check out this little tutorial about ACL surgery. Really, do it. Step 8 will prove to be a delight.

Ok, so I got that butternut squash recipe from here but i made some changes. I (maybe obviously) used canned coconut milk, extra cilantro, sesame oil, added bok choy and kohlrabi because i had it, and axed the almonds completely because i didn't have them. I also chopped the squash into small pieces, maybe 1/2 in. because they are better for biting.

It still was delicious, and you can put it over rice or quinoa or something if you are looking for something a little more entree-ish.

Now i must go and put my sweatshirt to good use. Go Eagles! Don't let us down, it's Monday Night and everyone is watching! (Until 11 or so, anyway.)

ow! her knee!

Some of you might remember a couple of years ago that Johnny was playing for the Philadelphia Liberty Belles and hurt her knee pretty bad during pre-season. We were practicing a few weeks back for an ill-fated drag number (ill-fated because it died as soon as Johnny crumpled to the floor) and it went out again, a la "Let's get Physical" in DC. She had an MRI last week and got the results today. Her ACL is completely torn and will be having surgery for Dec. 22.

I am, by far, the worst nurse in the world, but if i start mental preparations now, i might be able to actually do some good. Any advice is appreciated.

Music to my ears

I missed a phone call about a half hour ago and when I checked my voice mail it was about 2 minutes of salsa music. I was expecting to have a recorded message tell me to hold on, or something like that, but it just kept. on. playing.

Now, I have some stupid Barenaked Ladies song stuck in my head. The part about the fancy dijon ketchups. The worst.

J. Gordon is considering a move, which I am soooo excited about. Johnny and I are recruiting for Ohio residents. Maybe if we get enough people to move here we might be able to pass an election form bill. Or not.
(btw, i used that link because i wasn't able to *quickly* find ONE story about how the issues didn't pass. ??!!)

Heartbreak hotel

I watched the Eagles LOSE HORRIBLY last night in a heartbreaking effort. I was glad to see that Mr. Mean was suspended and that rookie got a chance to makes some plays. Who needs that jerk anyway?

Also, I watched a segment on 60 minutes which leads me to conclude that Tom Brady might be a robot.

Football aside.
Zoey ran away on Friday night around 6 (damn heat!) and we wandered, then drove around the neighborhood for about 2 hours trying to catch up with her. Each time we would approach her, she ran away. There were a couple of occasions where one of us would reach out to grab her and she would basically scream, like we were going to beat her or something. It was so sad...I feel like she may have been abused before. I have tried to block her way through a door with my foot and she would yelp because she thought i was going to kick her. Very sad indeed.

So anyway, we caught up with her in someone's yard where she was probably trying to get some action from the dogs who live there. I called her and she just jumped into the back of the truck, like nothing had happened. Yesterday we went to the devil-Lowe's and got some materials to fix the gate (which was broken from the burglary) and the fence where she had broken out. They only sell gigantic sections of fence, so we had to buy one and cut it down in the parking lot because it wouldn't fit in the truck. It is all done now, and we have a newly secured gate.

Humilated? Maybe.

But at least she's not pregnant.

Knives + Pumpkins = all the seeds you can eat.

Last night we went to The Two Blondes' house for pumpkin carving for a party on Saturday. We drank mulled wine and cider (with rum!) and had fancy homemade roasted red pepper spread. Here is a very dark photo of the results:



This weekend: parties, drag, costumes and football. Delightful.

Buns in the oven?

I am completely almost-sure that Zoey The Dog might be pregnant. Johnny says no way, but highly technical research on a very scholarlyinternet source leads me to be convinced. Here are my reasons:

1. Her dog-breasts appear to be completely ready for nursing, well, her nipples anyway.
2. She whines a lot.
3. Her midsection may or may not be enlarged. (Although it is tough to say because we have only had her a week.)

I could possibly be jumping to conclusions, but I can't help but think the worst. Can you imagine having 6 to 9 little puppies running around this place??? What a nightmare. I made an appointment today for her spaying and the earliest we could get was Nov. 22. I guess we will know for sure by then.

Dog shotz

Last night I went around and put the storm windows down in the house. (It immediately made a difference, no more drafts..you can stand by the window and not freeze...AND the guest room is verrry cozy now, hint-hint). Zoey was helping by running up to each window (she was keeping track of those I hadn't gotten to yet) and once I opened it, she would stick her head out. Jupiter helped too, as you can see:



Isn't that a cute spot on her back?


Here is another picture of her, close up:



I also put some more photos here.

And since I never did it before, here is a picture of The Tiniest Baby of All Time when she was about 2 weeks old. That is my sister's hand, which is not huge, really, just sorta normal sized.


She looks totally different now, being that she is about 3 times as old!

Something fishy at the library services company

The setting
Inside a large room, filled with cubicles. Corner area has large grey metal table and dedicated computer for specialized printer.

The cast of characters

Dewey: map cataloger, eagerly wanting to work but perpetually stymied by large maps and a small workspace
Bertie: sweet auntie-type, uses specialty printer for majority of day's labours, usually seen wearing a seasonal sweatshirt with a turtleneck. May have had plastic surgery.
C.G. (computer guy): seems to be the only person able to do anything systems related around here. Drinks lots of coffee.
Supervisor: it doesn't matter, really. just imagine a stick person with a blank face.

The story

Act I

Dewey approaches Supervisor to discuss possible options for getting more space to work on the maps, suggesting that she might be willing to use the shipping area computer, due to the convenience of the table.

Dewey: Um, I totally can't do my work, can I use the computer in the corner?
Supervisor: Let me look into it.

...weeks pass...

Supervisor (with the enthusiasm of someone who has a great, original idea): you can use that computer in the corner if you want!
Dewey: Um, thanks?

Dewey uses computer, but can't print out required information.

Act II

Bertie (to Dewey): Hon, did you use the computer in the corner? I tried to print out my work, but it just printed records forever. I think it is broken.

Dewey explains situation and apologizes, realizing that she didn't change the default printer.

Bertie: That's okay, sweetie. I have been wanting to move out of there anyway. Someone always comes and messes with the printer and it just takes forever to get things going again. It makes me so mad! (looks wistfully toward the ceiling) I just wish i knew who it was! Anyhoo, I will get soemone to move the printer so you can use that space.

Bertie contacts her supervisor

...weeks pass...

Act III

Bertie (to Dewey): Hey youngster. I got my printer moved, so the computer and table are all yours. If anyone asks where it went though, don't tell them, okay?

Dewey nods, actually not knowing where it has gone. Bertie exits. Dewey attempts use of computer, but needs software installed. She contacts C.G.

C.G.: So, uh, I um got the software [slurp] on there. Uhm, lemme know if [snif] you have any trouble with it.
Dewey: okay.
C.G., averting eyes and taking a gulp of coffee: So, um... do you know where Bertie's printer went to?
Dewey: I don't know. I just know it is gone.

-End-

Is there no honor in humanity? Damn you C.G.!

Carpool

Things are getting cleaned up from the big break-in, and I am starting to feel more comfortable at home again. It is so strange the way that someone just invading your space that way makes you feel extra vigilant and scared. Ew.

Zoey is still cute and rowdy, even though I try to take her out lots of times and let her hang out in the yard and chase the squirrels.

I had my review on Wednesday, which went quite well. I had a good opportunity to tell them some of the things that I have been thinking about this place, which made me feel better. So, I embark with a renewed sense of okay-ness about the job, and I don't feel the urgent need to get-out-as-soon-as-i-can. I also started carpooling with a woman who lives near me, which helps me feel better about driving every day. It also helps me get up and off to work on time!

the good, the bad and the speckled

The trip to Philly was extra-great and we were homesick from the moment we drove in. We got to stay at the lovely home of Erica and The Agent and to visit with many wonderful folks. I went to ye olde library job and went around to say hi to people. The best part was when someone asked me, "Wait, you don't work here anymore, do you?"

On Sunday we went to the Morning Glory for a fantastic breakfast, which was quickly ruined by a phone call from our cat-sitting friends telling us our house had been broken into the night before. Luckily (or not) we had an 8 hour drive to prepare for the shock and violation of someone going through our things.

There was some damage done to the back gate, but none to the back door where they entered. They stole our laptop, DVDs, CDs and our jewelry boxes. Johnny's was worth more than mine as it held every piece of sentimentality she'd been collecting since childhood. They also stole the change from my 4-year-old niece's pink Barbie purse she left here last weekend. Jerks.

Our response was swift. I had a security system guy come yesterday and give me his pitch, then we went and got a dog. Her name is Zoey Bella and she is 3 year-old Blue Heeler, house trained, well mannered, and so cute. She is afraid of the cats and whimpers whenever they block the entrance to a room she wants to go into. I will certainly be posting Cute Dog pictures in the future.

And then... nothing.

My review was rescheduled at the last minute. I waited outside my supervisor's office for 10 minutes with my team leader before we decided he wasn't there. I actually said, "Would it be weird if i went outside and looked in the window?" She said that he would come and get us when he got back. Half an hour later, i got an email saying he wasn't even in. I guess it will happen next week.

But today, we are embarking on a trip to Philadelphia! Woo-hoo! I am pretty excited to go back and visit my old work-mates and friends. Plus, the Eagles have a bye week, so i don't have to worry about missing the game by driving on Sunday.

3 months of daily hunger

People around here keep weird schedules. There are some folks that come in at 4 or 5 in the morning, so they eat lunch at 11! They sit at their desks for lunch and the smell wafts over the cubicle walls and directly into my nostrils. I eat around 1 usually, so this 2 hour stretch is torturous.

Today I will eat a little earlier because I have my 90 day review. It is shocking to think that I have been working here for 3 months already. Is it too early to ask for a raise?

Sniff.

After being rejected by our (now previous) vet, Johnny took Carrington to the Good Vet on Saturday at 1:15 because my family was coming over for housewarming/birthday celebrations. She called me around 2 to say that the vet was not sure whether she was treatable. I went down there and the vet explained that Carrington was severely ill and dehydrated and that her condition had probably progressed beyond repair. He could hear fluid swishing around in her abdomen and feared that she had FIP,a pretty serious and contagious disease.

After an extended conversation, we decided that it would be best to put her to sleep. I haven't ever had to do that before, and it was the saddest thing ever. She was sitting on Johnny's lap, all cute and yellow and skinny, and we petted her for probably an hour before we left. We promised her that we'd name another cat after her someday.

Rest in Peace, Carrington. We miss you.

Yellow ears

I took Carrington to the low-cost vet this morning. She tested negative for Feline Leukemia and FIV, but they couldn't give her any immunizations because she has severe jaundice! She's not pregnant and they shaved her belly and it looks like there is a spaying scar.
They suggested that I take her to my regular vet for diagnosis and testing. I called and got an appointment for noon, so I called in to work and said I'd be in late. I set Carrington up on the porch with a little barrier and some blankets (it is really cold and rainy here today) but when I came out to get her she was gone. I told the vet I thought she'd be back in the morning and they are going to let me know if I can bring her in then.

Jaundice!!

Front Porch Attraction

The party was a roaring success. There was so much kareoke and revelry that i am only now getting things back into order. There is also lots of leftover beer and we now have bottles spilling out of all the refrigerator's crevices. Thanks to everyone who made the trip--it was so great to see you all!

On Sunday, after most people left, a grey cat appeared on our front porch. She is still there. Yes, we started feeding her because her bones are sticking out. We also named her Carrington. Here are the cute things she does:

mrows and comes up to me when i walk out the door
sharpens her claws on the welcome mat
curls up all pretty-like on a towel (which serves as her bed)
sits in a loaf ON the porch swing

She is such a sweet cat, but she may be sick or pregnant or something. We are going to have to get her to the vet.
Are we going to be a 4 cat household? Ahh!

Bzzzzt

Have I already said that I am excited about this weekend? People are visiting! The Goddess arrived this morning and everyone else arrives tomorrow. Woo-hoo! There is still much cleaning, food shopping, and beer purchasing to do, so I am not very interested in being at work today. Or tomorrow, for that matter.

Plus, I just drank a half cup of regular coffee (not decaf, like usual) and i am bouncing off my cubicle walls!

boing

Don't you coo at me!

Does anyone else think this is weird?

"A West Yorkshire hospital has banned visitors from cooing at new-born babies over fears their human rights are being breached and to reduce infection."

I hate unpacking and putting together furniture

Have you ever worked on a project that felt like it would never end and you get so tired of doing it you just want to throw all of your stuff away? Well, I have. And watching football at the same time doesn't make it better.

That aside, I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS WEEKEND! Johnny's 30th birthday and housewarming party is Saturday night and I can't wait. There are some Philly-ites (?) making the 8 hour trek and we will probably have about 10 people staying at our house. It is going to be soo fun. There will be beer, kareoke, laughing, and hopefully no rain. Here's a weather report for you travelers out there.

Donovan, I have missed you

I went to meet my dad last night to see a movie at the $1.50 theatre and on my way home Johnny's car broke down. My phone was dead so I had to walk. I was going down the ramp, realizing that my chances of being picked up by someone not-scary were slim, when my wildest dreams (at the time) were answered by a very nice couple in their 60s, who took me to the gas station and let me use their cell phone. What a relief.

In honor of The Nicest Couple of All-Time, I feel moved to drink coffee and eat a donut at 10:00, the coffee hour!

For you football fans, we totally got the NFL Sunday Ticket!! They came to install on Wednesday, so now we have about 4 million channels as part of our limited-time promotion, including the Eagles! Whoo-hoo! We missed the last 2 games because people around here want to watch the Bengals, Browns, or the Steelers, for some reason. So now, Johnny and I can watch all the NFL Sunday action we can take. I can't wait.

I heart maps

I really love maps, and therefore I also love cataloging them. There are 2 map people here, but they also do Arabic, so my lack of language skills may or may not be a welcome break for them.

I was working on these mine maps and they often include the old map techniques which list ranges, section and townships of areas of the rural west. I had called something a range and Map Man was looking things over and kinda gave this haughty sniff and scoffed, "well. that does have sections, but" (here he actually snorted) "not ranges."
Catalogers are such a funny sort. We get all snobbish about our subject specialties (or language specialties) and talk about them in a certain way. I will think of a word to describe it someday.

Also related to work, here is a blurry photo of that weird being that lives in the shrubs outside my window. I think it is a woodchuck.

But don't you think it looks like a prarie dog?

Whirlwind

Thursday night I set out with my brother, sister-in-law and 2 nieces (1 and 4 years old) to southwestern WVa to visit my sister, brother-in-law and The Tiniest Baby Of All Time. She is precious and 6 pounds (just a little bigger than a small white dog I know) and slept, ate & cried pretty much the whole time. The 1-year-old niece looked like a giant ogre next to her. But a cute one.

We came back on Saturday afternoon and I learned that Johnny had somehow scored tickets to see The Kinsey Sicks , who are a "Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet." The show was incredible and very political and funny, which I always appreciate when packaged appropriately.

The next morning we got up early and drove to Pittsburgh to meet our former neighbors, the Goddess and the Man. We went to the Warhol museum, which I greatly enjoyed, and then to a diner, coffee shop, and some shopping. We found out that The Man's furniture business got a write up in Philadelphia Magazine's Home & Garden, which features a great picture of them and some of their work.

After that, Johnny and I went to IKEA (which is now a 3 hour trip away from our home, instead of about 5 minutes) and spent a bunch o money on curtains, a rug, a coffee table, and some other stuff I don't remember.

Today, when I went up to get my coffee, the Cafeteria Singer was breaking the 80s tradition by belting out a passionate rendition of "I Believe I Can Fly." I almost tipped her.

Fair Food and Foreigner

The Foreigner concert was so Freekin Fun. We went with our friends Jake and Leo and got there early enough to walk around and eat corn dogs, fries with vinegar, and caramel apples. As if that wasn't enough junk, we went in search of some popcorn, because it is the popcorn festival after all. We bought this $6 bag of freshly popped kettle corn that was literally the size of my right leg. We met up with my little sister and her boyfriend who offered to help us eat it and headed toward the Main Stage. I could hear people cheering and music playing as we approached. The first words I heard were, "Is everyone havin' fun? Does everyone have some popcorn?". I knew immediately that the show was going to be awesome.

There was a great crowd of all kinds of people (kids, parents, grandparents, bikers, us) and they played all the hits I could ever think of from my childhood. There was maybe one song that i didn't know all the words to, and during that song we went to the ATM to get cash to buy our t-shirts (which I happen to be wearing at this moment).

I recorded some of the songs with my phone and here is a sample for you fans out there. (.wav) You can hear us screaming in the din.

Here is also a very poor quality photo taken with my phone:



but you get the idea.

When we went to get the T-shirts, Johnny asked if they were vintage. Ha! The guy was like, uh, no. My co-worker asked me that same thing today, if I had it for a long time. I admitted that it was new and that i felt a bit like an imposter.

On the work front

I talked someone into putting me in charge of a project cataloging maps! For those of you who know how I feel about maps, you will completely understand how great this is. I just spent all morning with The Map-Guy and I even got my own tape measure. yay!

In Foreigner news, we are totally going. We are leaving at 6. I will try to remember to take my camera.

Juke...box...he-ro...!! I will completely have stars in my eyes. And popcorn in my hand.

Urrrgent, wait and see

Last week my mom told me that Foreigner is playing at my hometown Popcorn Festival on Friday. I totally want to go, it just depends on how early Johnny can get home and whether we have to keep up this blasted house painting.

Just think, I could be eating popcorn, drinking beer and swooning over these guys

while I ROCK OUT to a 70s and 80s hit parade!!

Oh man. Plus, mom thinks that they might possibly stay at the hotel where she works. I begged for an autograph, and if i get it, i will completely make it a major part of my blog.

"Ah, it's no big deal..."

That's what my sister said when I asked her about GIVING BIRTH at 12:30 this morning.

She is so funny.

She has always been laid back, and kinda "go-with-the-flow" about life, not making an affair of things that are really worth being excited about. My mom calls to give me the baby vitals (girl, 6 lb 11 oz) so I immediately called her up at the hospital.

I get her on the phone and in a little bit of a sleepy voice, she tells me about the schedule of events:
9:30 -- leave house in rural WV
10:30 -- get admitted around into hospital in town
11:00 -- go into labor
12:30 -- have baby

She didn't even have time to have an epidural.

I told her I was going to write about her 1 1/2 hour labor and she said, "No sense in messin' around with it, get in there, get it done."

I said I would quote her.

What about the bus?

So gas prices are on the rise, which wasn't a big deal for me when I lived in Philly, but here I think I go through about a tank every 10 days and I get pretty good gas mileage. I have looked into riding the bus to work, but it would result in a 1 1/2 hour ride that takes me downtown and then into the suburbs where I work. Each way. Today I wrote a letter to the bus company to tell them they needed to take advantage of the gas situation to expand their service. I offered to meet with a representative, so I hope they take me up on it. It would be really great not to have to drive every single place.

Our floors are now sanded and they are looking quite nice. The refinisher-man will be putting the first coat of finish on today, and the cats are locked in the basement. He told Johnny we'd be able to walk on it this evening. He'll do another coat tomorrow and then it has to sit a couple of days before we put furniture on it.

The weather is doggone beautiful. 80 and sunny all through next week! I am so glad that we have Monday off so I can start doing yard work. All the rain is going to make the plants really grow, so I want to intervene before it becomes out of control. What's everyone else doing this weekend?

Back to the library

Thanks for all your wishes, it must have worked! The people were out by 1:30 and we started moving things in as soon as they pulled away. Thanks to my dad, uncle and our friend Heidi, we got everything in there and moved out of the old place.

The bad news: (!)
There is a significant amount of damage to the floors under the area rugs, courtesy of 2 naughty dogs. We have gotten some estimates for refinishing. The up-side is that we were planning to have the floors redone anyway, this just makes it more of a priority.

18 gallons worth of painting will start today.

The day has finally come

Tomorrow, we move.

I am depending on fate or something to ensure that things go smoothly. We are finishing packing tonight, then buying paint in the morning. The seller's truck is supposed to come and go before noon. Then we can move small stuff in, then the big stuff when my dad and uncle arrive around 3:30 with an extra truck. I just want it to be easy! Think of us sometime tomorrow and think good thoughts.

prez?

In spite of his efforts to ignore the anti-war protests, Bush's approval rating is now lower than Nixon's.

Whoo-hoo!

We're playing your song

Today I am feeling anxious. Last week the seller of the house called and said there was a problem with the water main and now the whole front yard has been transformed into a giant trench. We are moving in 4 days and we still need to pack up. I have to work 9 hour days to make up for missing work on Friday.

Tennessee was beautiful though. The wedding was wonderfully sweet and we had a shockingly good time at Dollywood. The best part is that they play Dolly Parton songs from the speakers in most parts of the park, so you could have Kettle Corn or Funnel Cakes and listen to Dolly at the same time. The sad part is that Gatlinburg is really booming, and there are entire sides of mountains that have been blasted out and replaced by giant cabins/hotels/condos. We went to the outlet malls on the way home, bought some new clothes, paid 9.5% sales tax and finally made it home by 1:30 am. Johnny drove the whole way and I slept. Dolly bless her.

Closed

We closed on the house yesterday! Now we can finally get out of our box-laden apartment.


This past weekend was a whirlwind and now we have 10 days to get everything together and ONE day to move. We have been putting stuff in a storage space to help us spread it out some. We found out that the sellers got their days mixed up and actually scheduled their truck for the 26th, our first day of possession!! So, we might start moving things in before they leave, depending on when their truck arrives.

Johnny had to go to Indiana to install a giant tree in a library in Seymour and sent me this photo of their bike rack.

It is so sweet. I want to ride a bike to Seymour just so I can park there.

Happy Anniversary

Today is my one month anniversary of work at the Cataloging Factory. I still have these questions:

Why is there no water cooler?

Why doesn't my ID work to let me into the gym?

Why do so many people smoke?

Why do I only know the names of 6 people?

I also heard about the T.O. debacle on the radio this morning. The season is just approaching and yet, I fear another let-down. Does anyone know any insider secrets that will help me feel more hopeful?

Trips and secrets!

pre-s. An update on the laundry-drop-off: we were totally missing about 12 items when we got home. We didn't know until Johnny started looking for her favorite pants and found they were missing. We got everything back, but it was freakish enough to keep us from doing that again anytime soon. I will be at the laundromat tonight.

So it turns out that the house closing is going to be on the 15th after all. We will still have to do some pretty serious work in the span of 2 days to get everything ready and moved in.

This weekend we go to Cincinnati to visit Johnny's friend, then to Indiana for her Grandma's birthday party. The next day is my sister's birthday and we are heading up to Marion to take her and her boyfriend to dinner. So much driving!

Aaannnd... i am not supposed to tell, but we have been asked to accompany our friends on their elopement to Gatlinburg! Shhh. It is a secret, but I am so excited to go to Dollywood! It is next weekend and I can hardly wait. Eep!

The best kind of mail

Johnny got a letter from her school yesterday telling her that she has been awarded a merit scholarship!! It will cover over half of her (expensive) tuition. They were really impressed with her portfolio, so now I am extra-extra excited about the school thing for her. Congratulations!!

We tried to have a celebratory dinner, but she didn't like what she ordered and then we severely botched a well-intentioned game of pool. We decided that we'd have another try at it, because it wasn't very successful. (the dinner, maybe not the pool)

For the first time ever, I dropped off laundry yesterday. I feel only slightly nervous about it, but the woman at the 'mat was very nice. Do any of you drop off your laundry? How much do you pay per pound usually? This one was 1.05/pound for next-day service. Should we shop around?

What a nice gesture!

The woman who sits next to me is in her mid 40s and from Russia. She is a big asset here because she has a variety of European language skills. Yesterday we bonded over the frustrations of being new here and today she brought in those Ferrero Rocher chocolates and offered one to me. It was very sweet (both the sentiment and the chocolate). The little things sure do matter.

Johnny started her new job on Monday. She's excited because she knows a lot about tools and woodworking equipment and people have been asking her lots of questions about it. I am really happy for her to have a job she really likes.

We went last night to my brother's house to watch Anchorman. They had never seen it. But before that, we got to hang out with The Nieces. THEY ARE SO CUTE. The youngest one is almost a year old and can sorta stand by herself now, but is really getting some personality. This weekend is their Pink Poodle Birthday Party. (Their birthdays a day apart) Johnny is going to set up a face-painting booth. The kids are going to love it.

no to training, yes to party

We have totally started planning our housewarming party. We might get to close a few days earlier than we originally thought, therefore have a few extra days to get things situated before we need to move out of our lil' sublet on the 26th. I have to get confirmation from the realtor, but I think closing will be on the 12th, and the seller wants 10 days after close to move.

The New Job has a very poor (non-existent) training program. I got a 4 hour course on how to use Microsoft Office, but about ZERO minutes on the optional rules, etc. that we have to follow here. No, make that about 30 seconds--they did mention the 043. I sit here, cataloging, ALL DAY LONG and feel like a complete failure. It really stinks because I used to like cataloging, but I have been here about a month and I never want to see a MARC record again. I guess it can only get better. At least I have this window to keep me company.

Speaking of the window, yesterday something caught my eye and I turned to see a giant groundhog/muskrat/mutant squirrel just sitting out there near the sidewalk. I took a picture with my phone, but i don't know how to send phone photos to the internet. If you do, tell me and I will post it. It was a weird looking thing.

Ow.

My back/shoulders hurt a little from sitting at my computer all day and night. I mentioned it yesterday to my supervisor and I am expecting an ergonomic consultant to come by my desk later today. And there are free bagels and donuts in the cafeteria on Fridays.

We signed up for the second half of a CSA season and tomorrow is our second pickup. Last week we were out of town, so we didn't get the full pick up experience, but we still got the food! (we are splitting the share with our friends). I expect some onions, kale, cabbage, sage, basil and some squash. The pickup happens at the neighborhood farmer's market, so we can get anything else we want while we are there. It is nice one-stop shopping.

We got our homeowners insurance yesterday. It's crazy that in one month we will be in our house!

Books and benefits

I finally got my public library card! I was in a rush, so I only got some music and a book on tape for our trip, which we completely didn't listen to. Next visit will be for books, although I currently have 2 books in line, one borrowed and one that was thoughtfully sent to me by an old coworker. I love getting mail.

There is a library of books and DVDs here. When the vendor sends things to be cataloged, we end up keeping them and they are on loan right from the department! There are lots of kids movies and romance novels, neither of which are things I frequently enjoy, but it is nice to know they are there. There is a corporate library in another building, but I haven't been there yet.

I also setup my access to the gym. I just have to wait for my ID to be activated before I can start going. There is a sauna and a steam room (I just found out the difference ) and a variety of shampoos and soaps to enjoy, in case you forget yours. Oh, and Johnny can also come for free.

The news said it is very hot in Philly. I'm sorry, in an empathetic way.

ihavebeeendyingtotellyouthis

For about 3 months we have been secretly planning a surprise camping trip for Erica's birthday with The Agent. We left Thursday morning and met them at the GCoPA later that afternoon. We got there before they did and set up, so when we saw them driving in, we hid behind the tent and ran out. Erica had no idea that it was happening and it really made for a great surprise--so much that she fell on the ground. Yay for Surprises!


The park was beautiful, had hiking and not too many bugs (but lots of cute little toads). Our campsite was surrounded by very tall pine trees which created an incredible circular skyscape.

It didn't have any showers or flushing toilets, so it was nice that they hugged us goodbye when we left earlier today.

Speaking of circles, on the way home, Johnny was talking with Goddess Alicia (hereafter known as The Goddess) and she asked me for long hair product information which I learned about by getting a wonderful Aveda-related birthday present from her two years ago, and this year, also from El Mr. Furniture! See? Full circle.

I also completely understood why Johnny has the 900 minute plan while I have the 400 minute plan.

Last, but definitely not least, Johnny got the job she wanted! She completely gets to make art for money. Jealous people can raise their hands.

Sun in my eyes

I got the window! Behind me, glaring against my computer screen, is the reflection of the sun across a pond with 2 fountains flowing freely from 8-6. I am guessing about the 6 part, I usually leave at 4.

The job is going pretty great, i have to say. I like it so far, lots of independence, unlimited Connexion time (without worry about charges), high performance expectations, a variety of materials, cataloging jokes, and all the music i can listen to in 8 hours. Woo-hoo. I am going to bring in some of my personal items to sit around my lil' workspace and maybe I'll post a photo if I can get it to look presentable.

Speaking of music, one of the (very few) good things about leaving my last job is that i got a going-away gift certificate. I have spent this almost exclusively on albums that were on our networked itunes, but I didn't own, so I couldn't listen to them. They have begun arriving and I sometimes feel like I am back there, except my work area isn't hot.

Awww. I miss you guys.

Displaced

I don't yet have my own workstation, so I have been sitting in someone else's while she is on maternity leave. She has such items as:
Pictures of teddy bears torn from a calendar
A heart-shaped wooden plaque (hanging by a pink ribbon) with the words "One caring heart warms many lives"
Silk flowers adorned with fake dew
A pink crocheted computer cozy, with matching doilies under the paper trays
Footprints!

So, you might get a sense of what I am up against here.

They are putting in the new cubes today (I think), so once the computers arrive, I will be able to move (and customize!)

Also, if anyone knows of interesting internet radio stations, news shows or whatever, can you tell me? I only have 2000 or so songs on my ipod, and I don't want to get tired of listening to them. Unfortunately, there is not networked itunes here to break things up.

New blog name: Exciting things happen every day

The exciting things that happened today are as follows:

1. Started first day of work at the giant library company in Dublin.

2. Met nice people and got taken to lunch.

3. Johnny received student loan check so we went for sushi.

4. Ate peach ice cream with friends and sat outside talking for 3 hours.

5. Grey cat caught mouse in kitchen.

6. Got confirmation that house sellers will fix requested items!

I am pretty sure it is all downhill from here. (Whatever that means.)

art skool

Johnny had her portfolio presentation and was accepted into art school! I posted a photo of one of her lamps on my (very limited) photo site. She will begin taking orders immediately.

and then, and then..

I start my new job on Monday. I am excited, but I am afraid I will miss my old job. I also re-realize that it is easy to feel busy no matter what I am doing, especially when I am not working!

We may have found a house to buy. Our bid was accepted and we had the inspection yesterday. We are meeting with our realtor later today so keep your fingers crossed for us. And yes, all of that foliage would be in our backyard!

My sister's baby shower is Sunday, and so I will get to see the whole family at once. I went to visit my grandma on Monday and my mom is staying with her for a while, so i got to see them both. Having the family nearby is quite a convenience.

The Internet!!!

I have fully realized my dependence on internet access. I am now at the public library using the internet for the first time in 3 days. Whew.

Obviously, we made it here safely. The drive was actually very nice and after about 100 miles the cats stopped crying except when i went over a bump in the road. We stopped at this place called Maggie's and had a wonderful organic vegetarian lunch around two before we re-boarded the turnpike and finally approached Columbus at 4:50, just in time for another bout of traffic. Pretty much simultaneously from when we crossed into the city limits, this incredible storm set in, with crazy wind, rain, and lightning (Welcome home!). We got to our apartment around 5 (obviously the traffic wasn't that bad) where we were supposed to meet my brother to get the keys. He came about a half hour late and once we got in, we found that we had no electricity because the storm had knocked down some lines or some crap.

We went to get some dinner, came back, set up the bed, and took showers in the dark. The lights came on around 2 am, when Johnny got up and turned on the air conditioning.

We have been shuffling boxes to and fro, because we moved out of a fairly huge apartment into a fairly tiny one. It would probably be fine for one person, but for two people and three cats, plus an amazing amount of furniture and shoes, it is a little cramped.

Note to self

Go ahead. Put on the rubber gloves. I know you are using natural bathroom cleaner and an old loofah sponge because you think it will help soften your hands. Your hands are soft enough. Put on the gloves. You'll thank me later.

All the little bits

Today we dedicated to cleaning up the bits of stuff that are now strewn all over nearly every square foot of our apartment. We will make a run of donations over to Hope on 7th today and tomorrow, and that should take care of it.

We found out that the movers are delivering our stuff tomorrow, before we actually leave, but after a series of heart-stopping mishaps, it seems that everything will work out fine and that The Sister-In-Law will be there for the delivery. Whew.

Johnny and I decided that while we will stock up on some healthy snacks before the drive out Wednesday morning, we will probably stop for fast food at some crappy place on the turnpike. I am looking at it like an experiment--i will let you know if i get sick.

Harrassment sucks: Festivals are fun

After a sad day at work, we went for sushi and then to Aimy's house for card games. I was so sleepy, and around midnight we headed home. We found a parking spot a few blocks away and when we turned the corner, we encounted Drunk Frat Guy and Friend about half a block behind us. He yelled "hey ladies" and we ignored him, which made him mad (apparently) so he started talking about my ass and calling Johnny names, including "lesbian", "dyke", "sir", and (my personal favorites) "second-class citizen" and "L-E-S-B-I-N-A". After a few full minutes of this, Johnny finally started yelling back. Then came the physical threats.

We got in the building and locked the door. When we were going up the stairs, we heard him yelling through the door.

What the effing eff? I have never been harassed so many times as i have since we lived here. It is one thing i will definitely not miss about Philadelphia.

One thing i will miss, however, are the neighborhood arts festivals. Johnny, Aimy, Jessity and I went to the West Oak Lane Arts and Jazz festival today. We saw some great artwork, Aimy was the test subject for some wonderfully scented body butter, and we ate yummy food and water ice. I will go to festivals in Ohio, but they surely won't have water ice.

Yesterday!

Yesterday was a great day full of firsts.
First first: When preparing for the the Packing Squad i actually picked up Toolie The Skittish Cat and carried her to the bathroom without getting scratched.
Second first: The Squad came at 9 and while they packed up, i read a magazine on the chaise. They were done at 1 and i was not fully prepared for how easy it was going to be for me to sit around and watch other people work.
Third first: Neighbors stop by to say hi.
Fourth first: After the Squad left, Johnny, me and Goddess Alicia went to the Famous 4th St. Deli (newly owned and maybe slightly less famous?) and i had BLINTZES. I am disappointed to admit that I have never eaten a blintz in my life, until the yesterday of firsts. Why isn't this food introduced in third grade, or maybe even college? 30 years without a blintz is far too long.
Fifth first: Had to reprimand my class about potential misuse of electronic resources.
Sixth first: Went to Eulogy and drank Belgian beer from the 8 million beer menu. I have wanted to do this since i became aware of this place, like 2 years ago.
Seventh first: Slept on the couch on purpose.

This morning the Loading Squad came while i was at my last day of work and took away the SIXTY-SEVEN boxes plus furniture that make up our belongings. All that is left might fit in my trunk. Plus the cats.

I almost forgot the photo of Johnny's new tattoo:

Movers schmoovers

Three weeks ago we made the appointments with the moving people. I was hoping they would be able to do the packing and the moving all in one day, but they scheduled it for two separate days, tomorrow and Friday. We planned accordingly, including a delivery of a bed from Johnny's work just in time for the move on Friday.

The movers just called and asked if we could do it all in one day. Arg. I told them no.
Despite this (very) minor annoyance, things are still coming along quite smoothly. Tonight we have dinner with J. Gordan and the 'rents, then a drink with Johnny's boss.

And the yard sale will probably be on Saturday.

and a photo, too!

Here's a photo from the fun-ness in Ft. Collins, Colorado.

Until today...

I didn't really know the difference between streusel and strudel until today.

Tonight is the big push for rearranging the Do-Not-Pack items into a corner. The cat crates/carriers are all spruced up and ready to roll. Puck the Cat is already playing in the larger one, his toys are in there, his little bed. It is pretty cute.

The Packing Squad arrives in 2 days, as in, the day after tomorrow. I have 2 days of work left.

Last night there was someone on the roof. Johnny was on the computer and the person was creepily saying "Hey Girly" to her through the skylight. It was truly freaky. We thought of calling the cops, but instead called the landlord who shared her myriad experiences with scary people in apartments. That woman has a way with words.

Yard sale back on

I just found out that we might be having a yard sale after all. Maybe this Saturday, after all of our stuff is gone. This way, we won't have the option of saying, "Oh, I guess we could use that for storing pencils" or some such thing.

Last night I made a big list of anything that we don't want the movers to take with them. I have it sitting on the countertop so I can add to it whenever I think of something. Last night also started our first big effort to go ahead and eat up whatever is in the freezer. Johnny made sloppy joes out of veggie crumble and we ate it open-faced style on multigrain bread. Amont the items remaining in the freezer are some chik patties, Grandma's homemade peanut butter fudge, soy ice cream and a loaf of bread. I could make a sandwich with that stuff.

The funnest

Last night had to be the funnest 30th birthday party i have ever attended. we went to a great sushi restaurant (with about 20 people) and then headed over to the show. It was fabulous, and we got to see some great bands including The Last (!) and the ever-amazing Hagfish. then there was this really great DJ, dressed in a Kill the DJ ripped t-shirt and a Hulk Hogan bandanna playing 80s until the bar closed and we all got kicked out. This morning, we woke up at a good and early 8:15 (which is actually 10 to my body).

Today some people are getting tattoos today and then we are going to another show, to see Drag the River. If you are looking for a vacation spot and you like music, you should consider coming here. I have so much fun every time.

After all this, do you know what the most exciting thing was? Johnny started drinking beer.

Slowly

Yesterday we succesfully gave away our first two items: a tall silver lamp and a small framed french-style alcohol picture. We have some more (not this exact one, obviously) but related-style ones if anyone is interested. The Great Belonging Giveaway will last until we leave IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS.

Tonight i will run errands and do some cleanup before i pack for our trip to the great mountain state of Colorado. It is Johnny's cousin's 30th birthday and she has a whole itinerary of fun planned, including two shows, shopping, events with kids, tattoos and family-style photos at WalMart. All in three short days.

Where's my freakin' keys already?

I completely locked myself out again last night, just 3 short days after the first lock-out when i said (with confidence) "I have never locked myself out of this place." In case you are wondering, no, i didn't knock on wood. Because i was stuck in the hallway eating ice cream that i feared would melt, i didn't do any moving preparations at all. In fact, by the time Johnny got home (at 9:30) i was really grumpy and just went to bed.

So there is nothing new on that front.

I did see this crazy story on boingboing. You should read it. What a mess we're in here.

Utilities Be Gone

I just called to disconnect the phone and DSL. I am currently on hold with the dish people and they have a hard sell program in place, obviously. They have asked me about forty-two times whether I want to put my account on “hold for five dollars a month. No, ten dollars a month.” Um, no thanks.

We got invited to our first social engagement in Ohio yesterday. Our friends recently bought a house and they invited us to their housewarming party. Whee! My sister is also having a baby shower on July 10, so I guess that is actually two things to look forward to. Aside from not working for two weeks.

I went through some things we were going to sell at the (now defunct) yard sale and here are today’s offerings: a variety of handbags and shoulder bags -- a crazy candle lamp made of black metal and chain mail, inset with [glass] jewels! You want that.

And We're Back!

At Shasta's suggestion, i decided to go ahead and get the ol' blog going here, to let people know how The Big Move is going. Maybe we will even stay in touch after i leave.

I talked to the moving company today and they are going to actually need two days, one for packing and one for loading. I called the streets department and they are going to have the police put up signs so the truck will have a place to park.

Tonight, i have to work on materials for class (which starts on Monday, already!) and then hopefully sort out some things that we can try to sell or give away. I have a stainless steel breadbox that could use a good home...