Took a field trip to the mall today. I've really been needing some black work pants. The wardrobe I'd built up is mostly too big for me now, especially where work pants are concerned.
So, we went to the "bad" mall because it has a Dillards where the second floor is entirely clearance. Not exactly what I expected. I guess it was just too overwhelming and looked more like that store that took over Walls in Cache Road Square ca. my high school years. I forget what it was called, but basically a low-rent Marshall's or Ross -- if you can imagine.
The regular part of Dillards was too posh for me and the clearance wasn't posh enough (or something). Maybe if I'd been better rested or more energetic I could have found some good stuff. What I saw was mostly not my size and all smooshed together. Other people there were having a great time though, so maybe I'll give it another chance down the line. Shoes were a bust, as there was only one pair of 11s, and I didn't really think I needed a pair of shiny silver stripper heels. Although thinking now, silvermari... Anyway, next time we're going to try the "good" mall and see how that goes.
I did manage to get a pair of black pants at Macy's, and Shawn found a few more polo shirts. We're slowly building his teaching wardrobe ... and running out of hangers in the process. Maybe something for a Wal-Mart or Target list.
On the wardrobe-getting-too-big for me front, I haven't had much change in weight since moving. I've kept up with the exercise at the new gym, mostly because of its convenience, but have been less careful in my food choices. In total I've lost just over 50 pounds in one year (started in earnest on Oct. 15, 2009). I have 5-10 more pounds to lose to get into the "overweight" category of the BMI chart. I know it isn't 100% accurate because I have considerable muscle mass, but still have a long row to hoe to get to "normal" or "healthy" (about 50 lbs. more). Maybe I'll write more about the experience on the actual anniversary of starting the diet/exercise regiment. Or maybe I'll save it for a November nablopomo post. Stay tuned ...
Driven
I did a defensive driving online course for work. It took several hours, so I did it over three days. It actually taught me a lot ... and I definitely look at things differently while I'm driving. What I half wish is that I didn't have to drive! It's a scary world out there and people are insane!
Pancake
Still have reservations on the work front, but I'm plowing through as best I can. And we'll see how everything turns out.
The weather has been comfortable, sunny and dry. Things I wasn't expecting. But I'll take it. Just trying to roll with the punches.
Nothing much to update. Blogging is going down the tubes for me. Hopefully I'll get a kick start of inspiration soon.
10 for Ten?
It's October 2010, or 10-10. Under the Sycamore, a photography blog I have in my reader, is posting 10 for 10 in October. I could do that from time to time. What would be great would be posting a top 10 list every day (or bottom 10!). I have a list at work going of grammatical errors I hate. I probably have at least 10. Hrm.
Eye twitching, work stressing, sleep needing girl up in here.
In November I'll be doing Nablopomo again. In October the theme is PLAY. They do post prompts every work day, but I can't commit to 31 posts in a row plus 30 in a row. So I think I'll stick with just blogging when I can in October ... what would be better is if I only blogged when I had something to say. Then I'd never blog!
Bazinga!
Eye twitching, work stressing, sleep needing girl up in here.
In November I'll be doing Nablopomo again. In October the theme is PLAY. They do post prompts every work day, but I can't commit to 31 posts in a row plus 30 in a row. So I think I'll stick with just blogging when I can in October ... what would be better is if I only blogged when I had something to say. Then I'd never blog!
Bazinga!
On an Air Boat
Colleague took this picture -- I am laughing to keep from crying. I kept telling myself -- it's just an above-ground subway (as I was moving backwards). I didn't really look around. My hat got blown off by the air boat when we were still on the ground. Pretty comical.
I'm sure I'll have plenty more opportunities for boat rides, grass planting and Louisiana lifestyle to look forward to.
Sore Hands
It was a rough day overall -- waking up at 5:30, leaving at 6, no food or bathroom break until we were back in BR. I worked the last two hours from home ... I kind of missed it!
So anyway, a long day, I'm tired and my hands are sore from digging. Makes me appreciate my office job more, although it was fun as a half-day thing. Also I should get to leave early on Friday (perhaps for shopping?) to offset the extra work hours today. My hands are still dirty. ICK!
Here's the song that was in Medium (the show that also introduced me to a favorite Dixie Chicks tune). I've liked other Sara Bareilles songs via Pandora. Kind of haunting ... in a good way.
Green
We're having a drought, but I can't tell from how green it is from our view -- the golf course and campus are obviously pretty well watered. Looking forward to rain storms -- there was one when we were first here. I'm only happy when it rains.
I did a really stupid thing. I did an order on Amazon and sent it to the New York address. I didn't realize it until it never came. HOPEFULLY the doormen will refuse it, then it will be sent back to Amazon for a refund. Then I can reorder. At least that's what the guy on the phone said.
Waaah. I really wanted that stuff too -- two books, cubicle clips and some shampoo that I can't get around here. Geez I'm stupid! I guess I'll just reorder once the refund comes through -- probably in a couple weeks. Waaah.
I walked to the post office during my lunch break today. What a drag. No APS machines, not very good customer service and the woman was BARKING loud, letting everyone know everyone else's business. I need to find a big post office I guess.
Early morning tomorrow -- leaving here at 6 a.m. for a field trip. Maybe I can get a picture of myself doing what I have to do. *whimper*
I did a really stupid thing. I did an order on Amazon and sent it to the New York address. I didn't realize it until it never came. HOPEFULLY the doormen will refuse it, then it will be sent back to Amazon for a refund. Then I can reorder. At least that's what the guy on the phone said.
Waaah. I really wanted that stuff too -- two books, cubicle clips and some shampoo that I can't get around here. Geez I'm stupid! I guess I'll just reorder once the refund comes through -- probably in a couple weeks. Waaah.
I walked to the post office during my lunch break today. What a drag. No APS machines, not very good customer service and the woman was BARKING loud, letting everyone know everyone else's business. I need to find a big post office I guess.
Early morning tomorrow -- leaving here at 6 a.m. for a field trip. Maybe I can get a picture of myself doing what I have to do. *whimper*
Breathtaking
The air was crisp, cool and not humid this morning. It took my breath away.
My Baton Rouge boss said that it will last until January. That made me laugh, because no way. But I guess our swimming days are probably over. I'm glad we got to do one swim party this season! The hot tub still calls my name though.
Shawn's juggling, I'm doing a little side work and should be getting to the count down. I updated the blog header and name. Let me know what you think, but I'm pretty sure this is what I'll stick with ... at least for a while. (I almost wrote "sticks" -- to contrast w/ the city but decided that was a little cutting/tacky.)
Now if only I could see some bright red and gold leaves. Maybe I can find an online slide show of images or something.
My Baton Rouge boss said that it will last until January. That made me laugh, because no way. But I guess our swimming days are probably over. I'm glad we got to do one swim party this season! The hot tub still calls my name though.
Shawn's juggling, I'm doing a little side work and should be getting to the count down. I updated the blog header and name. Let me know what you think, but I'm pretty sure this is what I'll stick with ... at least for a while. (I almost wrote "sticks" -- to contrast w/ the city but decided that was a little cutting/tacky.)
Now if only I could see some bright red and gold leaves. Maybe I can find an online slide show of images or something.
By the Numbers
Two: months left in my 20s. Trying to sort out what to do for my 30th is adding stress to an already too-taxed brain/heart/whatever. My big 3-0 falls on Black Friday, day after Thanksgiving. The whole country will celebrate by shopping. I like that.
Three: months until Boxing Day, which means just under three months until Christmas. I need to get started on my list. I already have a few things that I've picked up on travels and from New York (did a bit of a buying frenzy before I left ... but never enough, no never enough). I also got Christmas cards from the Met for $5. They are stunning.
Four: of us at our dinner/pool party last night. We were the only ones in the pool area the entire time. The grilled burgers were amazing -- Shawn even wore his grilling shirt that he hasn't been able to really wear since Maryland days. It's nice to be creating a social circle, no matter how much it goes against my mole-ish, hermit-like tendencies. I had a great time ... and the frozen margaritas helped!
Five: ingredient easy cheat frozen margarita recipe: fill blender 2/3 or so with ice, add can of frozen limeade, fill can with tequila and add, add 1/3 can of triple sec. Crush ice setting and then blend. When you think it's done, blend just a little more. Serve with lime and/or salt (so 5-6 ingredients depending on how you do.) Surely there are better ways to make them (I think I read a low carb version once ... will have to hunt that down). I'm in trouble now that I know I can make these any time I want -- no need to go out and pay $6-10 a pop.
Nothing else right now ... more this week I hope though!
Starburst Blankie
Quick working project that seems almost like a modified granny square, adding in the points. Mostly double crochet once you get started. This is a kit from Herrschners (Variegated Round Ripple Baby Afghan), and I would NOT recommend their thread -- it includes knots and is easily tangled. But the finished project is darling and I’m hopeful that it will be just the thing for this new baby girl! I definitely recommend the pattern!
Culturally Speaking
Last night we tasted our first bit of the local arts scene and went to opening night of an LSU performance. It had really great costumes. And it was fun to go to the theater, no matter where we live.
I'm going to be helping this theater company do some online marketing and sprucing up of their website (an opportunity that came out of a failed job interview). So that should be exciting and a way for me to keep up my online interests. Perhaps even a spring board to a future career/self-run business. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.
I wore my black and white floral skirt, something I last wore at grad school graduation. I don't really dress up for work, so it was fun to feel fancy for a minute (or actually 4 hours ... the play was a tad-bit long).
It's another game day, and this time we've invited some people over to take advantage of the (hopefully) empty pool. We're going to grill burgers and swim. There's a chance of rain, but hoping anything that comes through is quick and moves on. We're expecting cooler temps after Sunday, and by cooler I mean high 80s instead of mid-90s.
For these, and many reasons, I miss New York. But I wouldn't trade my life with Shawn and how happy he is in his job for anything. I'll get settled and figure out what I'm really meant to do here.
I'm going to be helping this theater company do some online marketing and sprucing up of their website (an opportunity that came out of a failed job interview). So that should be exciting and a way for me to keep up my online interests. Perhaps even a spring board to a future career/self-run business. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.
I wore my black and white floral skirt, something I last wore at grad school graduation. I don't really dress up for work, so it was fun to feel fancy for a minute (or actually 4 hours ... the play was a tad-bit long).
It's another game day, and this time we've invited some people over to take advantage of the (hopefully) empty pool. We're going to grill burgers and swim. There's a chance of rain, but hoping anything that comes through is quick and moves on. We're expecting cooler temps after Sunday, and by cooler I mean high 80s instead of mid-90s.
For these, and many reasons, I miss New York. But I wouldn't trade my life with Shawn and how happy he is in his job for anything. I'll get settled and figure out what I'm really meant to do here.
Thursday TV
Tonight was no exception, and my dual DVR isn't enough to record the things happening on three stations at once. Good thing for the Internet and weekends to catch Grey's. I'm still troubled by the Olivia-Peter-Fauxlivia Fringe thing. I need to get a life.
I'm working on it ... but I would miss my TV life too. I should at least try to stop myself from hooking up to new shows.
Tomorrow the theatre, and some live action entertainment plus opening night reception. More after the fact, perhaps.
Exclamation
Never use exclamation points! EVER!
I think I'm going to break that rule and use them at the end of every sentence in this post!
And how about not copying everyone and their mother on this sage piece of advice?!
I will get over it! And he does have a point!
But I also resent having to get an e-mail reviewed by 5 people before it can be sent! When at the same time being told I'm going to have heaps of responsibility, ready or not! I think NOT!
I just don't know what the wise thing to do is! Press on, I guess!
Consolation -- I have the sweetest photo of a baby Owen posted in my cubicle! He's wearing a little rainbow crocheted cap! And he is such a happy kid! It's fun to look back at baby pictures knowing a little bit more of the story! And what a great kid he is and is still turning into!
I think I'm going to break that rule and use them at the end of every sentence in this post!
And how about not copying everyone and their mother on this sage piece of advice?!
I will get over it! And he does have a point!
But I also resent having to get an e-mail reviewed by 5 people before it can be sent! When at the same time being told I'm going to have heaps of responsibility, ready or not! I think NOT!
I just don't know what the wise thing to do is! Press on, I guess!
Consolation -- I have the sweetest photo of a baby Owen posted in my cubicle! He's wearing a little rainbow crocheted cap! And he is such a happy kid! It's fun to look back at baby pictures knowing a little bit more of the story! And what a great kid he is and is still turning into!
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| Spring Break 2005! |
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| September 2010! |
Orange You Glad?
I made a video of our apartment, password protected on my Vimeo. Let me know if you want to see and I'll send you a link.
Got a few errands done today after week. How great that Office Depot does USPS packages? Not that great, since the girl was 100 times slower than I could be on the automated machine.
Sorry for the lame-oh post.
Game Day
We were warned about the insanity of home football games and tailgating, and because of that we were able to stay out of the fray. I can't compare it to the madness that is Times Square on a daily basis because we didn't go walk about, but probably on the next one we'll make the effort and I'll be able to offer more informed input. But from a distance it doesn't look SO bad:
We did what has become our normal Saturday routine -- get up, go to the gym, have a swim, then lunch. But there were extra twists, and not because of the game! Our new couch arrived at around 10 a.m. Still not sure how we're going to arrange things "permanently" but for now here is what it looks like:
You can tell that he's working on lectures. The free desk in the background is what we're using for my computer, and the little end table that holds the printer was something we acquired from Frank, who lived in 8G before we did. Our dining table is behind the sofa, which works for now because it gives Shawn a place for his computer when he brings it home, and it props up my Thomas Moran print. But we might ditch it (or store it) and go for a coffee table instead -- ideally a lift top one so we could still have a dining space other than the bar counter. There's still plenty of room in front of the couch, and there's space on both sides. Will have to get used to it. So far so good though -- it's very comfortable!
The crochet piece in the photo is a work-in-progress baby blanket that's nearing completion. More photos on that to come, but it's a pattern that Gran gave me (she bought a kit and changed her mind ... I'll take leftovers any day!). It's worked up so nicely, like a modified granny square made into a star burst. Just a few more rounds to go, but they're the longest rounds of all!
So, couch delivered, we go work out. Nothing seems crazy at all. Still plenty of parking spots open in our lot and garage, and traffic doesn't seem bad. We just have to walk around the building to the gym, so no big deal either way. After working out we had a quick swim (would rather do that than bother with sunblock ... shameful I know), and we were the only ones in the pool area. I guess tailgating means partying in the hot parking lot instead of by the pool? Whatever!
I think this means we need to have a pool party next game day ... if only the guests could get into our lot. (There are 50 guest passes available for game days, but seems like there should be more because there's still plenty of parking in the garage ... although I guess it might be a security issue!) Or we should just have a pool party on a regular evening. These kids/our neighbors are certainly not night swimmers!
Then we made lunch -- waffles using our wedding gift waffle iron/sandwich maker/grill. Pretty tasty, although I did overflow the second batch. They were good, but even though the mix was whole grain or something I could still feel the difference of such a carbo-loaded lunch. Got hungry again pretty fast even though we ate a lot. Just a treat, and not something we'll do every weekend. But fun to try out our new toys!
The rest of the day has been spent on laundry and lectures. I crocheted, watched some DVR'ed TV (the new stuff starts this week, and I am ready for some new DiNozzo!) and made a light dinner.
We tried to get delivery, just for something different, but no way on game day. I guess that's really been our only brush with something different about this Saturday; although I'm sure that if we'd gone out in our car it would have been a different story and loads of traffic.
I am bummed that I wasn't able to go out to Michaels -- their 50% off framing ended today, so I guess I'll have to wait until the next sale (or maybe at Hobby Lobby, which is closer) to get my diplomas framed (and pick up a frame for the crochet print). Another day ...
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| Game Day Cars (normally that's just grass) |
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| Stadium, viewed from the roof of our parking garage ... how 'bout that sky?! |
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| Shawn on our new love seat |
The crochet piece in the photo is a work-in-progress baby blanket that's nearing completion. More photos on that to come, but it's a pattern that Gran gave me (she bought a kit and changed her mind ... I'll take leftovers any day!). It's worked up so nicely, like a modified granny square made into a star burst. Just a few more rounds to go, but they're the longest rounds of all!
So, couch delivered, we go work out. Nothing seems crazy at all. Still plenty of parking spots open in our lot and garage, and traffic doesn't seem bad. We just have to walk around the building to the gym, so no big deal either way. After working out we had a quick swim (would rather do that than bother with sunblock ... shameful I know), and we were the only ones in the pool area. I guess tailgating means partying in the hot parking lot instead of by the pool? Whatever!
I think this means we need to have a pool party next game day ... if only the guests could get into our lot. (There are 50 guest passes available for game days, but seems like there should be more because there's still plenty of parking in the garage ... although I guess it might be a security issue!) Or we should just have a pool party on a regular evening. These kids/our neighbors are certainly not night swimmers!
Then we made lunch -- waffles using our wedding gift waffle iron/sandwich maker/grill. Pretty tasty, although I did overflow the second batch. They were good, but even though the mix was whole grain or something I could still feel the difference of such a carbo-loaded lunch. Got hungry again pretty fast even though we ate a lot. Just a treat, and not something we'll do every weekend. But fun to try out our new toys!
The rest of the day has been spent on laundry and lectures. I crocheted, watched some DVR'ed TV (the new stuff starts this week, and I am ready for some new DiNozzo!) and made a light dinner.
We tried to get delivery, just for something different, but no way on game day. I guess that's really been our only brush with something different about this Saturday; although I'm sure that if we'd gone out in our car it would have been a different story and loads of traffic.
I am bummed that I wasn't able to go out to Michaels -- their 50% off framing ended today, so I guess I'll have to wait until the next sale (or maybe at Hobby Lobby, which is closer) to get my diplomas framed (and pick up a frame for the crochet print). Another day ...
Chelsea
It's not Chelsea like the New York neighborhood or our favorite player on the NYU women's basketball team, but tonight we went to dinner with a couple colleagues of Shawn's and ate at a cafe called Chelsea's.
We had a good time, and the food was tasty. It was a bummer to me that the only drinks were beer. I haven't had a beer in nearly a year because of the low-carb, weight loss effort (still having success although more slowly than at the start -- just crossed the -50 lb. mark). I decided not to break that streak today, although a nice glass of wine (or even a bad one) would have been welcome!
We sat on the patio. Dare I hope that it is cooling off enough to lounge out-of-doors, at least in the evenings? And oddly one of my five coworkers was at the next table. Small world (or really popular place I guess)!
One of the professors said something that struck me as motivational for students. I thought it would be a good opener or overall concept for a study guide. He's done the math/analysis on tests over the years and how grades change for students over time. And he's figured out that only 20% of the outcome of tests is determined by the test itself (whether it's hard, etc.); 80% is based on the individual student and how much s/he puts into studying. So, to students he says (or at least thinks) -- whatever you got on the last test is probably what you're going to get on the next test unless you CHANGE SOMETHING. Because the tests aren't really going to change anything. That's probably a good rule of thumb for life too.
There was also another wife at the table who's not strictly math-y (although she does work with numbers). She's lived in Baton Rouge since childhood and had lots of good tips -- ranging from grocery shopping to movie going to house buying. And she's even already sent me a list of links for things to do -- my kind of girl! Apparently they do their screen on the green type things in the fall when it's cool enough to sit outside ... funny!
But now I'm up too late. The couch is coming in the morning ... a little nervous about bonded leather and not getting a warranty ... and it's game weekend so our complex is rocking ... partying started last night. Woo hoo?
We had a good time, and the food was tasty. It was a bummer to me that the only drinks were beer. I haven't had a beer in nearly a year because of the low-carb, weight loss effort (still having success although more slowly than at the start -- just crossed the -50 lb. mark). I decided not to break that streak today, although a nice glass of wine (or even a bad one) would have been welcome!
We sat on the patio. Dare I hope that it is cooling off enough to lounge out-of-doors, at least in the evenings? And oddly one of my five coworkers was at the next table. Small world (or really popular place I guess)!
One of the professors said something that struck me as motivational for students. I thought it would be a good opener or overall concept for a study guide. He's done the math/analysis on tests over the years and how grades change for students over time. And he's figured out that only 20% of the outcome of tests is determined by the test itself (whether it's hard, etc.); 80% is based on the individual student and how much s/he puts into studying. So, to students he says (or at least thinks) -- whatever you got on the last test is probably what you're going to get on the next test unless you CHANGE SOMETHING. Because the tests aren't really going to change anything. That's probably a good rule of thumb for life too.
There was also another wife at the table who's not strictly math-y (although she does work with numbers). She's lived in Baton Rouge since childhood and had lots of good tips -- ranging from grocery shopping to movie going to house buying. And she's even already sent me a list of links for things to do -- my kind of girl! Apparently they do their screen on the green type things in the fall when it's cool enough to sit outside ... funny!
But now I'm up too late. The couch is coming in the morning ... a little nervous about bonded leather and not getting a warranty ... and it's game weekend so our complex is rocking ... partying started last night. Woo hoo?
Eccentric
I wore a dress over pants today -- it's too cold at work to wear a skirt like a normal person and the pants are black and tight -- almost like tights or leggings. No one mentioned it, but when I walked to my car with a coworker she asked me if I missed the shopping in New York because I wear a lot of eccentric clothes. THAT is funny, since all my stuff is JC Penney, Target, Old Navy, etc. But if someone wants to think I'm New York, that's OK. I'm as far from New York as you can get now.
The pants and dress combo did keep me a little warmer -- plus the normal sweater, shawl and lap blanket. Charming. I look like I'm preparing for a blizzard or something. But it used to be a server room where they kept computers, so it's either full blast or nothing. Hrm. Broken record, I know.
I've gone from completely controlling my environment when I worked from home to being completely at the mercy of others -- as in I can't set the temperature, I can't set the volume of anything or control ... anything! It's an adjustment. Welcome to the working world again, I suppose.
The pants and dress combo did keep me a little warmer -- plus the normal sweater, shawl and lap blanket. Charming. I look like I'm preparing for a blizzard or something. But it used to be a server room where they kept computers, so it's either full blast or nothing. Hrm. Broken record, I know.
I've gone from completely controlling my environment when I worked from home to being completely at the mercy of others -- as in I can't set the temperature, I can't set the volume of anything or control ... anything! It's an adjustment. Welcome to the working world again, I suppose.
Phone Diggity
This new job has me on the phone A LOT. A struggle since I'm not much of a phone person. And today I got a couple calls on my own cell phone -- random, since that never happens!
One was about re-joining PRSA -- which I was expecting because I went to their site yesterday to sign up. Clearly a no brainer to join, but they kind of gave me attitude for having been a lapsed member. Not really "welcome back, so glad you reconsidered." Just "you have to pay extra if you want back in" kind of attitude. Oh well. The company is paying so I'll deal with the attitude. And I expect the BR chapter to be much more welcoming and nice.
The other call was for a job -- IN NEW YORK! Can you freaking imagine? Anyway, if anyone in NYC needs a job and knows how to use PowerPoint, I can give you the phone number of this woman. She also sent me an e-mail. HILARIOUS. More than two years looking on and off and nothing beyond some scattered interviews. And I'm away for a month and start getting calls. AH! I went into Monster and CareerBuilder to update my address!
This is my 888th post.
One was about re-joining PRSA -- which I was expecting because I went to their site yesterday to sign up. Clearly a no brainer to join, but they kind of gave me attitude for having been a lapsed member. Not really "welcome back, so glad you reconsidered." Just "you have to pay extra if you want back in" kind of attitude. Oh well. The company is paying so I'll deal with the attitude. And I expect the BR chapter to be much more welcoming and nice.
The other call was for a job -- IN NEW YORK! Can you freaking imagine? Anyway, if anyone in NYC needs a job and knows how to use PowerPoint, I can give you the phone number of this woman. She also sent me an e-mail. HILARIOUS. More than two years looking on and off and nothing beyond some scattered interviews. And I'm away for a month and start getting calls. AH! I went into Monster and CareerBuilder to update my address!
This is my 888th post.
Keep Calm
And Crochet On!
Got this amazing print in the mail. It's a deep plum, so of course I had to get it when I read about it via Ravelry's blog. I think I want to get a frame for it ... am planning to get my diplomas framed finally. And then take pictures ... always promising to take pictures.
We have our loveseat being delivered on Saturday (a game day ... so we'll see how that goes). So pictures then.
And maybe I'll take pictures of my office space. Not sure. Probably inappropriate to hang this print up there ... but LOVE it!
We have our loveseat being delivered on Saturday (a game day ... so we'll see how that goes). So pictures then.
And maybe I'll take pictures of my office space. Not sure. Probably inappropriate to hang this print up there ... but LOVE it!
Frozen
Be careful what you wish for -- you just might get it.
Ask for employment ... get two job offers.
Ask for air conditioning ... get turned into a Popsicle on a daily basis. No kidding, it is so cold in the office I wear two sweaters and a jean jacket and I'm STILL cold. I took a lamp that I have never been able to use because it generates too much heat. I'm STILL cold. My feet especially. I may have to break down and get a space heater, which just seems so LAME when I pushed so hard to get the A/C turned on. I was so cold that I stayed in the un-air-conditioned car with the windows rolled up to try to warm up.
Do I always have to be so unsatisfied?!
Ask for employment ... get two job offers.
Ask for air conditioning ... get turned into a Popsicle on a daily basis. No kidding, it is so cold in the office I wear two sweaters and a jean jacket and I'm STILL cold. I took a lamp that I have never been able to use because it generates too much heat. I'm STILL cold. My feet especially. I may have to break down and get a space heater, which just seems so LAME when I pushed so hard to get the A/C turned on. I was so cold that I stayed in the un-air-conditioned car with the windows rolled up to try to warm up.
Do I always have to be so unsatisfied?!
Moisture
With the shorter hair and faux professionalism I'm trying to project I've taken to blowdrying most days. Gone are the rocker chic days, even though my hair's ends are razored in such a way that, if I were in the beautiful New York crisp weather, would lay smooth after being flat ironed. But in this humidity ... the ends curl as soon as I step out in the garage.
I can't complain, because I get into a car, crank the AC and get to an ice box office post haste. But the ~5 minutes in the outdoors is all it takes to give my hair some "lift" -- aka pouf. Mufassa returns!
But really it stays semi-straight and looks OK. Not corkscrew curly or anything -- although my hair will certainly curl in this weather. Always good to have options I guess. And always my hair will go straighter after it's had a day or two to be free and curly. Weirdest thing.
Another perk of the humidity is smoother skin. Someone said it's an insta-facial when you walk outside, and I guess that's true. I still have this ridiculous eyebrow dandruff that crops up. TMI?!
I guess if I can worry about my hair things aren't all bad. And really they are not. Chugging along in all aspects and trying to feel settled. For now, I'll be pretending though. Tra la.
I can't complain, because I get into a car, crank the AC and get to an ice box office post haste. But the ~5 minutes in the outdoors is all it takes to give my hair some "lift" -- aka pouf. Mufassa returns!
But really it stays semi-straight and looks OK. Not corkscrew curly or anything -- although my hair will certainly curl in this weather. Always good to have options I guess. And always my hair will go straighter after it's had a day or two to be free and curly. Weirdest thing.
Another perk of the humidity is smoother skin. Someone said it's an insta-facial when you walk outside, and I guess that's true. I still have this ridiculous eyebrow dandruff that crops up. TMI?!
I guess if I can worry about my hair things aren't all bad. And really they are not. Chugging along in all aspects and trying to feel settled. For now, I'll be pretending though. Tra la.
Thirty-Four Days
And then work happened this week, and I forgot/got lost in the fray. Life is a highway.
On Sunday we'll have been in Baton Rouge for a month. In some ways it feels like forever. And in other ways it feels like we just got here. We certainly haven't explored fully or even finished setting up our apartment. Hopefully we can pick out a couch tomorrow and get it delivered sometime next week. Then maybe I'll feel more settled.
I got my office workspace set up a bit too. Doesn't feel "right" still and certainly seems temporary, but eventually I'll get used to it. I got a new phone, and of course it was staticky. Figured out it was the phone, not the line, and so swapped out the phone. I like my chair OK -- it's new and I got to pick it out. Voice mail doesn't work, the shelf is kind of rickety and probably not the wisest thing to have ... and yes, mice still scurry about at night, ignoring the traps.
Time to go swim and float away for a while!
Hug or Handshake?
Can a hug ever be business-appropriate?
I think handshakes are much more appropriate in a professional situation, but someone already hugged me at my new job. It was when I was leaving Silver Spring -- the woman who had been so helpful to me in Baton Rouge (she'd been down "on rotation") and in headquarters. But it just seemed weird.
She'd never have hugged a male colleague she'd known for three days. Would she?
What do you think about hugging colleagues? This isn't an issue for me at work, and I'm struggling with so many other things, but still it was hanging around in my brain and thought I'd post it out there.
I don't like touching people in general. In fact, a quality I look for when church shopping is NOT having a "pass the peace" and touch every germy hand in the vicinity. Clearly I have issues.
P.S. First home football game this weekend. E-freaking-gads!
*EDIT -- not HOME game ... that happens NEXT weekend. Also, I remembered another person who hugged me within the first week of work. Good heavens!
I think handshakes are much more appropriate in a professional situation, but someone already hugged me at my new job. It was when I was leaving Silver Spring -- the woman who had been so helpful to me in Baton Rouge (she'd been down "on rotation") and in headquarters. But it just seemed weird.
She'd never have hugged a male colleague she'd known for three days. Would she?
What do you think about hugging colleagues? This isn't an issue for me at work, and I'm struggling with so many other things, but still it was hanging around in my brain and thought I'd post it out there.
I don't like touching people in general. In fact, a quality I look for when church shopping is NOT having a "pass the peace" and touch every germy hand in the vicinity. Clearly I have issues.
P.S. First home football game this weekend. E-freaking-gads!
*EDIT -- not HOME game ... that happens NEXT weekend. Also, I remembered another person who hugged me within the first week of work. Good heavens!
Mouse-y
The mice are leaving poop on my desk every night. They don't care for the traps. I'm going to have to figure out something else to do. Seems like the university maintenance should be in charge of elimination. I'm not holding my breath.
But since there are mice in the building and it's basically a little ramshackle, it's also very casual. Jeans are the norm, which is OK by me I guess. I had been looking forward to building a professional wardrobe, but maybe I can still do that and work in pieces that can be dressed up or down. Oh to get that first pay check and hit the stores!
I am so tired at night after working that I just fall into bed. I collapse, but my brain keeps spinning. It's so hard to wind down really because all I need to process and figure out. And I'm not sure that I'm going to make it. Just plugging along.
Today I got my new office chair set up ... and the "cubicle" walls -- just an L shape. I thought it would provide some sound buffer from my office mate ... not so much. I guess I'll just have to power through, and maybe invest in some headphones for working. It's hardest when we're both on the phone -- or when one of us is and another has a visitor/in person conversation. First world whine. And honestly, I know how lucky I am to have a job!
Webcamming with the Owen Jay. He's putting on a Wii demonstration for me. What a precious moo.
Stream of consciousness doesn't make for very good blog posts.
Doing my best to get into a gym routine. The musclemen are a little intimidating, but I get to watch TV while I elliptical. I've been watching "Who's the Boss" on Hallmark, laughing all the way -- mostly in an "oh, the 80s" kind of way. Almost makes me want ... a briefcase ... HA!
But since there are mice in the building and it's basically a little ramshackle, it's also very casual. Jeans are the norm, which is OK by me I guess. I had been looking forward to building a professional wardrobe, but maybe I can still do that and work in pieces that can be dressed up or down. Oh to get that first pay check and hit the stores!
I am so tired at night after working that I just fall into bed. I collapse, but my brain keeps spinning. It's so hard to wind down really because all I need to process and figure out. And I'm not sure that I'm going to make it. Just plugging along.
Today I got my new office chair set up ... and the "cubicle" walls -- just an L shape. I thought it would provide some sound buffer from my office mate ... not so much. I guess I'll just have to power through, and maybe invest in some headphones for working. It's hardest when we're both on the phone -- or when one of us is and another has a visitor/in person conversation. First world whine. And honestly, I know how lucky I am to have a job!
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| Owen gets in my face to tell me about the Wii characters |
Stream of consciousness doesn't make for very good blog posts.
Doing my best to get into a gym routine. The musclemen are a little intimidating, but I get to watch TV while I elliptical. I've been watching "Who's the Boss" on Hallmark, laughing all the way -- mostly in an "oh, the 80s" kind of way. Almost makes me want ... a briefcase ... HA!
INDY OR BUST
We made it home and back ... barely. PMS and 12-hour car rides are a deadly combination. Poor Shawn! The trek back was a little easier because it wasn't after a half-day of work, but still. Not sure we'll be doing that again. At least not any time soon!
Being home was great fun though, and I did get to feel a little more relaxed and recognize myself again! I didn't really check e-mail, certainly didn't blog (I'm never going to hit 300 posts this year!) and mainly spent time yakking it up with the family.
Owen's sixth birthday party was on Saturday at the Y swimming pool. It was fun to meet some school chums and see others that I already knew from church. Shawn and I were the only adults that swam, same as last year. We think that's funny because we will take any chance we can get to get in the water!
Church on Sunday was good. That's really going home too. The choir sang "Meet You In the Morning," a song I hadn't heard in years. I am still finding myself humming it and hearing Gran's voice singing her parts. We also had a church dinner, and nothing beats that.
Funniest was that a lot of people said they didn't recognize me. Several people said they saw Shawn and weren't sure who was with him! I got my hair cut off and have lost some weight. It was all meant as complimentary, so a good ego boost!
Now we're back and I've unpacked a good bit. The kitchen is shaping up with all our wedding gifts! I'm going to have to get out my gift record book to remind myself who gave us what now that we're actually able to use them!
More brain power and emotional energy being put into the job ... and a small side opportunity to continue with my social media work ... and I'm just exhausted thinking about it! Maybe more on that later. We'll see.
Being home was great fun though, and I did get to feel a little more relaxed and recognize myself again! I didn't really check e-mail, certainly didn't blog (I'm never going to hit 300 posts this year!) and mainly spent time yakking it up with the family.
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| Sweet Owen waits to blow out the candles! |
Church on Sunday was good. That's really going home too. The choir sang "Meet You In the Morning," a song I hadn't heard in years. I am still finding myself humming it and hearing Gran's voice singing her parts. We also had a church dinner, and nothing beats that.
Funniest was that a lot of people said they didn't recognize me. Several people said they saw Shawn and weren't sure who was with him! I got my hair cut off and have lost some weight. It was all meant as complimentary, so a good ego boost!
Now we're back and I've unpacked a good bit. The kitchen is shaping up with all our wedding gifts! I'm going to have to get out my gift record book to remind myself who gave us what now that we're actually able to use them!
More brain power and emotional energy being put into the job ... and a small side opportunity to continue with my social media work ... and I'm just exhausted thinking about it! Maybe more on that later. We'll see.
Dilemma
Just checked Google Maps. It's a 12 hour drive to get home.
View Larger Map
Can I do that, even with Shawn, on Friday AND again on Monday? I'm worn out just thinking about it ... and I'm still so unsettled at work.But I want to get home for Owen's sixth birthday party. I want to get my wedding gifts. I want to see Gran and the rest of the fam. The next opportunity will be Thanksgiving, which isn't SO far away ...
*whimper*
View Larger Map
Can I do that, even with Shawn, on Friday AND again on Monday? I'm worn out just thinking about it ... and I'm still so unsettled at work.But I want to get home for Owen's sixth birthday party. I want to get my wedding gifts. I want to see Gran and the rest of the fam. The next opportunity will be Thanksgiving, which isn't SO far away ...
*whimper*
If wishes were horses ...
When the clock shows all the same number, like 5:55 or 4:44, you make a wish. (I first learned about that listening to Magic 95 back in the day.)
For years, my wish has been "I wish for love." So much that it becomes automatic and I make that wish without thinking ...
My wish has come true, clearly.
For years, my wish has been "I wish for love." So much that it becomes automatic and I make that wish without thinking ...
My wish has come true, clearly.
Now We Are Six
I'm in the same time zone, but still feel so far on this, Owen's sixth birthday. Going to do my best to get home for the party this holiday weekend. So difficult with all the job uncertainties and how far behind I feel about 95% of the time.
Auntie M Loves Baby O!
Living Among the Students
Around midnight early Saturday morning, *ding dong* goes our doorbell. (Why do apartments need doorbells? I digress.) Shawn was asleep and I was trying to sleep so I didn't answer, thinking it was a rowdy kid -- or a mistake. In the morning the rowdy kid theory was confirmed when I was greeted by an offering of McDonald's French fries thrown against our door -- assault by fast food?
So maybe living among students ISN'T going to be so peachy.
When you see them in the hallways they mostly say hello and nod and act like actual human beings. But apparently on the weekend nights they lose all sense of decorum and scream off the balconies and run the halls ringing random doorbells. (At least I hope we weren't targeted as old fuddy duddies and that it was random!)
This is the first weekend since school started, so maybe part of the issue. But the beauty of the apartment, its location relative to work and the swank amenities still outweigh any unpleasantness brought about by our neighbors. At least so far!
Give me crazy kids over bedbugs any day.
So maybe living among students ISN'T going to be so peachy.
When you see them in the hallways they mostly say hello and nod and act like actual human beings. But apparently on the weekend nights they lose all sense of decorum and scream off the balconies and run the halls ringing random doorbells. (At least I hope we weren't targeted as old fuddy duddies and that it was random!)
This is the first weekend since school started, so maybe part of the issue. But the beauty of the apartment, its location relative to work and the swank amenities still outweigh any unpleasantness brought about by our neighbors. At least so far!
Give me crazy kids over bedbugs any day.
Read: Citizen Girl
Citizen Girl by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola KrausWas enticed to buy this because of its $4 price tag on Borders' Bargain Bookshelf. One of the blurbs was intriguing -- "satire ... highlights key issues (do you have to look hot to get ahead?) for women in today's workplace" -- but is entirely misleading. This is "sophomoric" in that it's the authors' second book (they also wrote "Nanny Diaries") and that it's just so dumb.
The main character's "name" is Girl, and other characters are called by descriptive words instead of traditional names. It took me a few chapters to realize that was her name and it wasn't just someone being awful and referring to her as "Girl" to be dismissive.
The workplace scenes were unrealistic, which I guess is expected because it's "satire" and trying to push things farther than reality to make a point? But the point wasn't taken and the plot, such that it was, fell flat for me. I also didn't care for the inappropriate transportation around Manhattan. When she was an underling she took cabs everywhere, but at least once when she's a VP she was getting on the 4/5 subway! As if. Maybe part of my dislike stems from missing New York. Perhaps.
Otherwise, a fast read with some parts that made me uncomfortable, mostly because it was just so unbelievable and awful work situations. There's also a little bit of high horse feminism that didn't make a lot of sense, even though it's kind of underlying to the message they seemed to be trying to make. Everything just seemed disjointed. Don't really recommend and I'm not sure what to do with this copy. Hrm.
View all my reviews
FWD: Warning From the Police
WARNING FROM POLICE THIS APPLIES TO BOTH WOMEN AND MEN BEWARE OF PAPER ON THE BACK WINDOW OF YOUR VEHICLE-- NEW WAY TO DO CARJACKINGS (NOT A JOKE)
Heads up everyone! Please, keep this circulating. You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car and get inside. You start the engine and shift into Reverse. When you look into the rearview mirror to back out of your parking space, you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. So, you shift into Park, unlock your doors, and jump out of your car to remove that paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view. When you reach the back of your car that is when the carjackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off. They practically mow you down as they speed off in your car. And guess what, ladies? I bet your purse is still in the car. So now the carjacker has your car, your home address, your money, and your keys. Your home and your whole identity are now compromised! BEWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED. If you see a piece of paper stuck to your back window, just drive away. Remove the paper later. And be thankful that you read this e-mail. I hope you will forward this to friends and family, especially to women. A purse contains all kinds of personal information and identification documents, and you certainly do NOT want this to fall into the wrong hands. Please keep this going and tell all your friends.
Heads up everyone! Please, keep this circulating. You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car and get inside. You start the engine and shift into Reverse. When you look into the rearview mirror to back out of your parking space, you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. So, you shift into Park, unlock your doors, and jump out of your car to remove that paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view. When you reach the back of your car that is when the carjackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off. They practically mow you down as they speed off in your car. And guess what, ladies? I bet your purse is still in the car. So now the carjacker has your car, your home address, your money, and your keys. Your home and your whole identity are now compromised! BEWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED. If you see a piece of paper stuck to your back window, just drive away. Remove the paper later. And be thankful that you read this e-mail. I hope you will forward this to friends and family, especially to women. A purse contains all kinds of personal information and identification documents, and you certainly do NOT want this to fall into the wrong hands. Please keep this going and tell all your friends.
Break it Down
LOVING this Gen X station that exists in BR. And also really glad I went out late to the grocery store (a certain someone needs milk for his cereal!). I heard Oasis' Wonderwall and then MC Hammer's Hammertime. I never thought of myself as Gen X (I thought I was on the cusp/too young), but obviously I like/know Gen X music!
I look younger than I am I guess. The movers asked if Shawn and I were students. And in the elevator leaving "headquarters" on Monday night a codger complimented me on my suit, said he wished they'd enforce the dress code more (he was in a sloppy almost-jeans outfit) and then asked if I was a student! I guess I could be a student. Hard to imagine doing that again though. We'll see.
Work is slowly gelling in my mind. I was super ... uneasy, I guess, about it on Sunday. The trip and then getting some actual work to do makes it feel a little more real and less traumatic. But there will certainly still be some rough patches in my future. I just hope to keep my head above water and make it to the time when I feel comfortable and confident in my outputs. Still a lot to learn.
Tomorrow I have to go in early (~7:30) so I need to start the countdown. Shawn is right -- sleep is easier and better in a room without a TV -- as much as I hate to admit it (because you know I love my TV!). Now if only I could cut down on my Internet time!
I look younger than I am I guess. The movers asked if Shawn and I were students. And in the elevator leaving "headquarters" on Monday night a codger complimented me on my suit, said he wished they'd enforce the dress code more (he was in a sloppy almost-jeans outfit) and then asked if I was a student! I guess I could be a student. Hard to imagine doing that again though. We'll see.
Work is slowly gelling in my mind. I was super ... uneasy, I guess, about it on Sunday. The trip and then getting some actual work to do makes it feel a little more real and less traumatic. But there will certainly still be some rough patches in my future. I just hope to keep my head above water and make it to the time when I feel comfortable and confident in my outputs. Still a lot to learn.
Tomorrow I have to go in early (~7:30) so I need to start the countdown. Shawn is right -- sleep is easier and better in a room without a TV -- as much as I hate to admit it (because you know I love my TV!). Now if only I could cut down on my Internet time!
Run On...
On a business trip for new job training. My evening plans fell apart, which made me sad BUT I got to spend some time in Silver Spring wandering around.
The trip here was pretty annoying. Transfer in Atlanta is never fun, and of course the second flight was delayed, I was seated in the middle of two rather large young men. I then took a taxi to the hotel ... and the taxi didn't have A/C. It was almost 10 p.m. and I hadn't eaten dinner, so I asked the hotel guy for a suggestion. He said the bar would still be serving or I could get room service. So when I went down it was just about 10 and they wouldn't serve me. And it was Sunday night, everything closed ... so I went to bed without supper! Woe is me. I made up for it tonight though! I ate at Austin Grille, the very restaurant that I took my mom, sister and nephew to when he was just a tiny kid sucking on lemons. What a weirdo.
Work is feeling a lot better, although I'm still a bit uneasy and trying to figure everything out. I know it will fall into place ... or it won't and I'll figure that out too. I just have to stick it out and forge ahead anyway.
Missing Shawn but will see him tomorrow. It's going to be a long day -- about 12 hours total, give or take. Ready for some semblance of normalcy and routine.
The trip here was pretty annoying. Transfer in Atlanta is never fun, and of course the second flight was delayed, I was seated in the middle of two rather large young men. I then took a taxi to the hotel ... and the taxi didn't have A/C. It was almost 10 p.m. and I hadn't eaten dinner, so I asked the hotel guy for a suggestion. He said the bar would still be serving or I could get room service. So when I went down it was just about 10 and they wouldn't serve me. And it was Sunday night, everything closed ... so I went to bed without supper! Woe is me. I made up for it tonight though! I ate at Austin Grille, the very restaurant that I took my mom, sister and nephew to when he was just a tiny kid sucking on lemons. What a weirdo.
Work is feeling a lot better, although I'm still a bit uneasy and trying to figure everything out. I know it will fall into place ... or it won't and I'll figure that out too. I just have to stick it out and forge ahead anyway.
Missing Shawn but will see him tomorrow. It's going to be a long day -- about 12 hours total, give or take. Ready for some semblance of normalcy and routine.
Baby Love
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| Baby Shawn, 1979 |
Missing
I lost my favorite keychain -- the one I took so many pictures of as we were leaving New York. If it's not at my inlaws' house it must be in the U-Haul. At least it only had the Masterlock key, but it makes me sad that I can't use my same lock at the gym. And I really like that picture of Owen and the purple leather of the keychain! Maybe it will turn up.
So for now I've just got my keys together. The Honda key is big enough to act as a keychain itself! I also bought a combination lock for the gym. We joined the one nearest our apartment. It's practically connected to the complex. Convenience won out! So far so good, and there are plenty of cardio machines with personal TVs. Right up my alley. Hopefully I can keep up my exercise routine and even build upon it with some weight lifting. Dream big, I guess.
These days without work have been pretty long, and I've been missing Shawn. A one day workweek won't be all bad though. But a work trip on Sunday is a bit sudden, no? I'll push through and hope that next week I'll feel a little more settled.
I changed the blog title and banner for now. I just wasn't sure what to do, so & co. it will be for now. Still open to suggestion I think.
So for now I've just got my keys together. The Honda key is big enough to act as a keychain itself! I also bought a combination lock for the gym. We joined the one nearest our apartment. It's practically connected to the complex. Convenience won out! So far so good, and there are plenty of cardio machines with personal TVs. Right up my alley. Hopefully I can keep up my exercise routine and even build upon it with some weight lifting. Dream big, I guess.
These days without work have been pretty long, and I've been missing Shawn. A one day workweek won't be all bad though. But a work trip on Sunday is a bit sudden, no? I'll push through and hope that next week I'll feel a little more settled.
I changed the blog title and banner for now. I just wasn't sure what to do, so & co. it will be for now. Still open to suggestion I think.
Book 'Em
I avoided going to the state police department to be fingerprinted by having the fingerprints taken at the LSU police department. The only other people there were students and faculty on line to get parking permits! So it didn't feel intimidating at all. The whole thing took about 30 minutes and the woman was relatively nice. I learned I have a lot of space between my ring and pinkie fingers -- basically my pinkie is short relative to the rest of my fingers, or something.
My first day on the job has shifted from Thursday to Friday. And I have to travel on Sunday! It's for an orientation type thing, but still. I'm going to suck it up and do it. And hopefully I won't gripe too much. I read something today that venting is actually bad for you. Hrm.
On the positive side, I'm really happy with how my driver's license photo turned out -- they let you smile here! (I had to scan it for all the HR paperwork.) We got those taken on Friday the 13th, and it wasn't as bad as we had expected. Shawn got our tag (singular!) for the car on Monday, so we're set as far as the guv'ment is concerned.
Today was the first day of no swimming because it rained cats and dogs. I drove around in it doing the errands (fingerprints, key duplication and FedEx). I even went and picked up Shawn from work. Probably the first of many such times!
My first day on the job has shifted from Thursday to Friday. And I have to travel on Sunday! It's for an orientation type thing, but still. I'm going to suck it up and do it. And hopefully I won't gripe too much. I read something today that venting is actually bad for you. Hrm.
On the positive side, I'm really happy with how my driver's license photo turned out -- they let you smile here! (I had to scan it for all the HR paperwork.) We got those taken on Friday the 13th, and it wasn't as bad as we had expected. Shawn got our tag (singular!) for the car on Monday, so we're set as far as the guv'ment is concerned.Today was the first day of no swimming because it rained cats and dogs. I drove around in it doing the errands (fingerprints, key duplication and FedEx). I even went and picked up Shawn from work. Probably the first of many such times!
Separation
Shawn is in the bedroom, and I'm in the living room. Imagine that!
Lots of paperwork involved with the new job. Trying to figure it all out. Plus I've got to go get fingerprinted for background check! That's going to take a few hours and will be crazy. An experience though ... I would rather stay home and organize the bathroom! I should still have time to do that anyway though.
I went to lunch on campus today, talking with someone about some possible extra/contract work. I walked a LONG way in this oppressive heat. But I've got to get used to it somehow! Anyway, on the walk back I spotted someone walking along the quad doing a distinct "fiddling-with-his-wedding-ring" movement and striding quickly on long-long legs. Who could it be? One husband o mine! SWOON!
So that was a fun little treat to see old Shawn mid-day. I hope my eventual work schedule will include a regular lunch hour so I can sneak away and eat lunch with him every now and then.
I'm a nervous wreck still waiting for my first day at work. I feel like a freshman new on campus. I hope I can keep it together!
Lots of paperwork involved with the new job. Trying to figure it all out. Plus I've got to go get fingerprinted for background check! That's going to take a few hours and will be crazy. An experience though ... I would rather stay home and organize the bathroom! I should still have time to do that anyway though.
I went to lunch on campus today, talking with someone about some possible extra/contract work. I walked a LONG way in this oppressive heat. But I've got to get used to it somehow! Anyway, on the walk back I spotted someone walking along the quad doing a distinct "fiddling-with-his-wedding-ring" movement and striding quickly on long-long legs. Who could it be? One husband o mine! SWOON!
So that was a fun little treat to see old Shawn mid-day. I hope my eventual work schedule will include a regular lunch hour so I can sneak away and eat lunch with him every now and then.
I'm a nervous wreck still waiting for my first day at work. I feel like a freshman new on campus. I hope I can keep it together!
Hello, Baton Rouge
Preliminary photos of our new digs and ride. Things are looking even better now that everything is inside and we've got most of the unpacking done. We just need to arrange, get a couch and a few more polishes. But we are golden!
Sorry for the onslaught of posts tonight. I just got the blogger bug and let it go. Hopefully the post separation is logical enough and my loyal (three...four?) readers don't mind ... especially after a bit of a dry spell. I am sure that when work starts on Thursday I'll slow back down, but I should have more to write this week. And new photos/video to post once we've got the place completely in order!
Moving to a new place is lonesome. Hopefully church tomorrow will be a step toward combating that, and I know once work starts I'll be begging for some alone time. There's a difference between lonely and alone though.
Goodbye New York
Goodbye NYC Apartment from Mari W. on Vimeo.
Not sure the sadness fully comes through on this video. It's echo-y like my heart felt. I'm not feeling so sad now, but it was certainly traumatic to end our New York lifestyle.
Also, some photos of my key ring, getting ever lighter ... down to only the key for my gym lock (incidentally a Masterlock that reminds me of Gpa Max, so I think of him before every workout):
And some packing and last-few-days-in-New-York photos on Flickr ...
A Couple Weekends Ago
It wouldn't be New York without a celeb sighting, and although he isn't a super star it was still fun to spot him: Willie Garson, looking just like Stanford Blatch, although I'm not sure the character would be playing Frisbee on Governor's Island! I couldn't get a better picture, but at least I did get one!
Earlier that day we went to the UN and I mailed some post cards:
And some photos of us on our bikes and the ferry and the view of downtown from the island:
U-Haul, What?
We saw one just like this while we were rolling in Virginia, en route to the inlaws' place. And from a distance it really looks like the door is half open. I can't imagine a stupider design! And I'm sure the people driving it get stopped several times a day, or at least get honked at and flashed with lights to tell them their back is open! Also - who packs like that anyway?!
Crochet: Laura's Lace Baby Blanket for Jamie
An easy stitch that I bordered in a small shell stitch. It is a small blanket, but hopefully can be used for security … or at least to wrap her up while she’s an infant. (Baby girl was born on Thursday. Her name isn’t Laura … that’s just the pattern name from the book.) It turned out really sweet and was done in Bernat Baby Coordinates in Lemon Custard. It has a little sparkle in it too. So precious!
Oops
I had the camera cable with me the entire time! I'd been so smart in stashing it with my iPod. But I didn't get my iPod out at all during the trip. A lot of things are like that but we know everything is with us somewhere, even if we haven't uncovered it yet!
While my videos get uploaded and organized and everything else, here are some photos of my first motorcycle ride. Geez Louise, Shawn could have told me to pull my shirt down so I didn't look so rubbery around the middle. BUT this will have to do, because if I cropped you'd lose the effect of the motorcycle!
While my videos get uploaded and organized and everything else, here are some photos of my first motorcycle ride. Geez Louise, Shawn could have told me to pull my shirt down so I didn't look so rubbery around the middle. BUT this will have to do, because if I cropped you'd lose the effect of the motorcycle!
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| Nerves of Steel |
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| Pre Ride |
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| Post Ride |
Pretty Different
I'll put some more thought into how much things are different now once I have a chance to fully immerse myself into a routine. Also some things will be the same ... I hope? At the very least my husband is a constant! Oh, and all my stuff.
You don't realize how much you have until you move it!
Anyway, we made it here and now face the unpleasant task of unpacking. It's not entirely unpleasant really. Just daunting.
BUT Internet, phone and cable are pre-set up. All I need to do is figure out DVR. Because TRUST, I cannot go back to a time of VCRs.
The Baton Rouge movers were less efficient than our New York movers. I have a feeling that may be the tone for a lot of things! But they finally got everything unloaded and we only had to open about 90% of the boxes immediately to find the essentials (shower curtain rings, birth certificate, TP, etc.). Will be nice when everything is back together ... plus there's still shopping to be done!
I took photos of the empty apartment and some of Shawn among the boxes. It's a mess ... and I am still not sure where my camera connector is, although I have a good idea and maybe soon I can get some photos posted. Until then ... or sooner.
You don't realize how much you have until you move it!
Anyway, we made it here and now face the unpleasant task of unpacking. It's not entirely unpleasant really. Just daunting.
BUT Internet, phone and cable are pre-set up. All I need to do is figure out DVR. Because TRUST, I cannot go back to a time of VCRs.
The Baton Rouge movers were less efficient than our New York movers. I have a feeling that may be the tone for a lot of things! But they finally got everything unloaded and we only had to open about 90% of the boxes immediately to find the essentials (shower curtain rings, birth certificate, TP, etc.). Will be nice when everything is back together ... plus there's still shopping to be done!
I took photos of the empty apartment and some of Shawn among the boxes. It's a mess ... and I am still not sure where my camera connector is, although I have a good idea and maybe soon I can get some photos posted. Until then ... or sooner.
Scenes
We are in Auburn, Alabama. Free wi-fi and we had a swim after eating at a nearby Waffle House. It was SO CHEAP and moderately tasty.
The trip so far has been fine. Shawn does all the driving, and I know if it's boring for me it has to be triply boring for him. Ugh. We'll be there soon enough. We're staying one more night on the road, and on Thursday we pick up our car, get the truck unloaded and return it. Then the real fun, unpacking, begins.
It was hard to leave Danville and Shawn's folks. We have such a good time with them and it's easy and relaxing. But I have to keep steeling myself and be prepared for the good that's coming. I just have to let it.
Shawn doesn't have any anxious feelings and remains calm, cool and collected. I've never seen anything like it. I'm freaking out ... at least internally ... about how I'm going to adjust (to everything including the heat), if I'll remember how to drive well, if I'll like the people I'm going to work with, if I'll be good at the work, if I have enough work clothes that fit, if I'll be able to keep up the exercising once I figure out the gym situation, if ... if ... if!
Patience, My Dear
I would post some video and photos BUT the USB cable is packed somewhere in the back of the truck ... so words or nothing for now. Although maybe I could get some of Dale's photos on here before then. We'll see if I put forth the effort. We also have looked through some childhood photos of Shawn and she is going to scan a handful for me. He was and is the cutest!
Waiting, waiting, waiting. One of my least favorite things to do. Waiting on a phone call and everything's going to be OK ... once I get the call, I can button up everything and be fully employed once again.
I am a nervous wreck, of course, and probably will remain so until I'm firmly settled into the new position. I do not plan to write about it publicly, but I will update my LinkedIn account and send an email to my "so called life" list with details and my updated address. If you'd like to be added to the list and/or be my pen pal let me know.
Waiting, waiting, waiting. One of my least favorite things to do. Waiting on a phone call and everything's going to be OK ... once I get the call, I can button up everything and be fully employed once again.
I am a nervous wreck, of course, and probably will remain so until I'm firmly settled into the new position. I do not plan to write about it publicly, but I will update my LinkedIn account and send an email to my "so called life" list with details and my updated address. If you'd like to be added to the list and/or be my pen pal let me know.
Briskly
Last post from New York. About to make my way to Time Warner and return our equipment/cancel our account so no more internet unless I go to Starbucks or something. Then I think I'll swing by Pearl River one last time and come home to sleep and get up in the wee hours of the morning to depart.
I have a huge decision to make, related to employment. I have two offers and one of the main differences is money. There are other factors, and I've received the advice "go with your gut." I don't trust my gut, since it feels like rotten jelly or something. Ugh. I really am conflicted and sick over it.
Anyway, wish me luck, pray for me and look for some posts from Danville, the road and finally Baton Rouge. I have some photos of the packing (truck was loaded in just under two hours thanks to great movers) and other finishing-in-New York stuff to post, but probably later.
I have a huge decision to make, related to employment. I have two offers and one of the main differences is money. There are other factors, and I've received the advice "go with your gut." I don't trust my gut, since it feels like rotten jelly or something. Ugh. I really am conflicted and sick over it.
Anyway, wish me luck, pray for me and look for some posts from Danville, the road and finally Baton Rouge. I have some photos of the packing (truck was loaded in just under two hours thanks to great movers) and other finishing-in-New York stuff to post, but probably later.
Mari’s Tips for Cruising
(Or, what I wish I’d known before I went on the cruise)
- I felt like the new kid at camp … whose mom hadn’t packed the “right” underpants! It was certainly a learning experience, and we’d feel more comfortable about what to bring now that we’ve been once if we ever chose to go again (unlikely at this point). So, to help myself and possibly others who stumble along this post, here are my tips for cruising – what to pack for a cruise and what you can leave behind. Add your suggestions and additions in the comments. And as always I’m sure things vary by cruise line and trip length.
- You don’t need to bring a lot of water – even if you don’t get the unlimited soda option (which you shouldn’t, for health reasons alone). Bring a reusable bottle, like a Nalgene, and refill it on the ship. There are plenty of water stations. If you prefer bottled you can bring up to 12 per person. We brought the max and didn’t drink it all – plus it was heavy and limited what we could pack in our large suitcase on the plane (it necessitated a swap of clothes for water between the big and small suitcases because you had to hand carry the water on the ship, but had to check the water on the plane). They also give you ice in the room every night, which melted to make drinkable water quickly. If we’d brought non-water drinks (also allowed, up to a 12 per person limit), the ice would have been a great way to drink those.
- Bring a reusable coffee mug – likewise you can keep refilling it at the coffee stations and have hot coffee with you in your room and/or poolside without worrying about breaking a ceramic mug. Maybe bring a baggie of dishwashing soap to clean it in the bathroom sink.
- If you hate washing your hands with a bar of soap like I do, bring a small bottle of liquid soap. Even a 99 cent drug store version would have been better than the psychological ick factor of lathering up with a wet slimy slab of soap, no matter how fancy it might have been. I persevered though. This might be especially important if you have kids – anything to encourage them to wash their hands, especially on the ship, would be a good investment.
- DO bring some nicer clothes – one or two outfits. We didn’t, so we didn’t have the option of getting dressed up to go to the special dinners, including lobster night. I’m sure they would have let us dine in our shorts, but they were so adamant about the evening’s ELEGANT dress code … and so many people were in ball gowns … that we just ate at the buffet on most nights. Bring several shoe options. A lot of people wore heels, although I’m not sure I’d feel safe walking in heels, especially on the decks.
- Bring at least one warm outfit – like a sweatshirt and jeans. The theater and dining rooms are kept very cold. Some people were wrapping up in the beach towels, but I just made do (due?) with my pashmina wrap.
- Bring more sunscreen than you think you’ll need. I’m glad I did, even though we didn’t even break into the second bottle. We were able to stave off any sunburn. We slathered it on before we got dressed on the ship/in our cabin and then reapplied frequently throughout the day.
- Bring a travel alarm clock. The room does not include any type of clock. Your cell phones won’t work because they’ll automatically update to local time (in our case all central time ports), and you want to stay on ship time at all costs. Avoid confusion and having to set up a wakeup call and leap out of bed when the phone rings.
- You don’t need to bring beach towels. They will be provided for you – and every time you leave a wet/dirty towel, there will be a fresh one in its place when you return. Not exactly worth $10/day, but getting there.
- Bring a small umbrella. Maybe that will ensure that it won’t rain. We got caught in a rain storm in Cozumel. Wasn’t a big deal because we were in our suits and planned to get wet that day anyway, but still not pleasant to not have an umbrella – and I was surprised they weren’t selling them!
- The shopping seminars are just advertisements for stores that have paid Carnival boatloads of money to bring boatloads of people in the door. Don’t waste your time.
- Similarly, the “limited” watch sale on the last full day is baloney. There were not limited quantities, and I ended up buying three watch sets because I was in the crush and figured since I had to elbow and fight to get three I liked I was surely going to buy them. Of course when we walked by 3 hours later, there was no crowd and plenty of choices, including the three I selected. Really not the way to build trust with repeat customers, in my humble opinion.
- Bring ear plugs, in case you’re in a noisy room or are a light sleeper. Sometimes at the pool they can be useful too – hello, boozing 20-somethings in the hot tub!
- Also be sure to bring empty plastic bags. They’re good for any wet stuff you have to pack on the way home. This is a kind of no brainer, always pack kind of thing. But worth mentioning, I think!
- Communication – in advance, including packing, and on the ship
- Weather reports overlayed with our position map
- Put clocks in the room, or at the VERY least, be clear up front that clocks are not provided
- Provide clarity on the length of time in the ports
- Better organization in terms of excursions (although know lots of moving parts)
- SPELL CHECK the “Daily Fun Times” and other signage. One day’s itinerary had the restaurant Emile’s spelled as Emilie’s.
- Digital photography should be all digital – let people review their images on screens. The initial investment might be more than printing them, but environmentally it would be better AND you could probably sell more pictures – I don’t want a print photo of Shawn and me in front of a random scenic background, but I might be inclined to pay a few bucks to get it for my Facebook page/blog. Could sell branded Carnival Also on some of the photos I’d like to do a little Photoshop work – hello hairy gorilla man in the background!
- Encourage social media … internet use was so expensive, so I guess that’s part of it, but they didn’t even ask people to post photos of the cruise/stay in touch via a social network – be it a Facebook fan page or their own network. I think that’s a real missed opportunity, especially among the teenagers on board.
- Better service – I could be at the pool for hours and not be offered a drink. The wait staffers were slow and ineffectual, probably mostly because their huge gratuities are guaranteed.
Chopped
Also got a pedicure today and did some shoe shopping. Not Carrie Bradshaw-style shoe shopping. My stops were DSW and Aerosoles not Manolo or Christian Dior (I can't even spell any of the other names)! I thought about trying to make it to a museum but I gave up and came back home to do some packing and try to be a little productive in that realm. Tonight Shawn and I will drink wine and pack. And maybe we have a taker on our desk. That would be nice to get that out of here since it's so big. Everything is closing in.
I webcammed with Owen one last time, and he was a little sad today too -- nothing to do with me, just general summer doldrems I think. I know the feeling for sure, and certainly could use a little kiss on those sweet cheeks to lift my spirits! But really, why should my heart be sad?!
My Summer Vacation
Some more thoughts on cruising. I have one more post besides this one, which I'll schedule for tomorrow. Then moratorium on cruise talk and we'll shift gears into MOVING talk ... maybe a little job hunting talk (things are heating up) ... and finally nesting and settling talk ... a girl can dream!
I slept a lot better than normal on the ship, probably mostly because I didn’t watch as much TV (only turned it on to look at the map of our progress). But also the rocking motion of the ship made it peaceful and easy to drift off, and the cabin got pretty dark with the block out curtains and very little light pollution – just what the ship itself created!
My favorite port was Cozumel. We took a really fun speed boat ride, the Twister, to Isla Passion for lunch, swimming and relaxing in hammocks. Then we came back, got cleaned up and went out for Mexican -- margaritas in Mexico YUMMO! We took a sunset cruise (although the sunset was covered by clouds, the water was still amazingly beautiful) and then it was back to the ship for departure! We had the most time in Cozumel, so it was the most relaxing. I didn’t worry about getting back to the ship on time because we had plenty!
Cozumel was the first stop, and after a “fun day at sea” we were at Grand Cayman. Unfortunately our "fun shore excursions" that we booked through Carnival weren't synced up with the time we'd actually be in port, so we ended up only being able to do one there. And that was OK. We were able to go down in a submarine and see the coral reef, which was pretty fun. We were scheduled to do a bus tour around the island but instead ate seafood (but not turtle – the national dish!) at Paradise Café, went to the National Museum and did a little shopping. I saw some sea salt, but didn’t get it, thinking I could find it again. Of course I never did, so now I’ll have to buy sea salt like everyone else. Oh bother.
It only took an overnight sail to get to Jamaica, and my first impression: GREEN. We only had time for one excursion, but it was about five hours long – we were pretty much scheduled to be on the island for only ~six hours! First we went by bus to an 18th Century plantation. We rode on a tractor-pulled open-air cart and learned a bit about Jamaica, the plantation and its exports (lime and all spice). We toured the house and got great views of the sea from up high, plus all the greenery around. Was really vibrant. We got to sample Jamaican coffee, I bought a shell necklace and we also got to drink rum punch. We saw a man climb a coconut tree and we got to sample coconut water and fresh coconut meat.
Then it was off to the beach – Dolphin Cove. We saw some dolphin swimming, but we didn’t pay the extra to swim with them. We got to the beach, which was a little disappointing in that it was small and cramped and just a tiny swimming area. BUT it is something to be able to see the big ship in the distance, surrounded by blue green water. We were fed lunch at the beach, including some jerked chicken – spicy and YUMMO! Then it was racing back to the ship … and I was too worried about the time to try to go back to the shopping center (walking distance) to get anymore souvenirs.
I’m glad Shawn and I got the time alone together. And after being off the ship for a week-plus and worrying about all the hassles of moving and job hunting … I appreciate the vacation time more, and the fact that we got to relax and put off the real world changes that are coming at us so quickly was invaluable to our sanity and relationship stability.
Some thoughts from my vacation journal:
Cruising seems like such a weird thing to do -- American excess on display. I don't know that I can fully leave my troubles behind -- immerse myself in vacation mode -- but I'll do my best to avoid writing about that here.
It feels like I'm at summer camp -- but with my best friend as my roommate! We don't know what we're doing, where to go, etc. But we'll figure it out together, just like we have our first 2+ years of marriage, which we're celebrating on this trip.
We're really lucky to be taking this vacation. I'm trying to keep up a good face and leave the snarky, gloomy, Eeyore-ish Mari back in New York. But I am who I am -- a white trash product who can't quite get it right in higher society. (Not that this was really high society, but it was masquerading as such!)
Now -- gentle rocking, rain clouds, Shawn on my shoulder, funny family to watch and listen to (who needs TV? "Shut the front door!"), ambient restaurant clatter, ink on paper, sun peeking through a bit. In love with my husband, deep breaths, holding eyes closed to capture my memory.
I am humbled by the scope of the sea -- the expanse of the sky. Water and heavens as far as the eye can see. Soak into my soul the power and majesty of our Lord and King.
A little bored during the days at sea -- and overwhelmed by the pretention. Giving you hamburger and telling you it's steak kind of thing -- and the people are eating it UP!!!
Shawn: "Being uncouth is a requirement to be on this ship." after I told him he wouldn't want to be uncouth while he buttoned his shirt amidst the den of adults playing Marco Polo -- in an indoor pool -- at the top of their lungs -- screaming and squealing all the way.
Weird there isn't a chapel on board, although the majesty of sky and sea is definitely a worshipful experience.
I slept a lot better than normal on the ship, probably mostly because I didn’t watch as much TV (only turned it on to look at the map of our progress). But also the rocking motion of the ship made it peaceful and easy to drift off, and the cabin got pretty dark with the block out curtains and very little light pollution – just what the ship itself created!
My favorite port was Cozumel. We took a really fun speed boat ride, the Twister, to Isla Passion for lunch, swimming and relaxing in hammocks. Then we came back, got cleaned up and went out for Mexican -- margaritas in Mexico YUMMO! We took a sunset cruise (although the sunset was covered by clouds, the water was still amazingly beautiful) and then it was back to the ship for departure! We had the most time in Cozumel, so it was the most relaxing. I didn’t worry about getting back to the ship on time because we had plenty!
Cozumel was the first stop, and after a “fun day at sea” we were at Grand Cayman. Unfortunately our "fun shore excursions" that we booked through Carnival weren't synced up with the time we'd actually be in port, so we ended up only being able to do one there. And that was OK. We were able to go down in a submarine and see the coral reef, which was pretty fun. We were scheduled to do a bus tour around the island but instead ate seafood (but not turtle – the national dish!) at Paradise Café, went to the National Museum and did a little shopping. I saw some sea salt, but didn’t get it, thinking I could find it again. Of course I never did, so now I’ll have to buy sea salt like everyone else. Oh bother.
It only took an overnight sail to get to Jamaica, and my first impression: GREEN. We only had time for one excursion, but it was about five hours long – we were pretty much scheduled to be on the island for only ~six hours! First we went by bus to an 18th Century plantation. We rode on a tractor-pulled open-air cart and learned a bit about Jamaica, the plantation and its exports (lime and all spice). We toured the house and got great views of the sea from up high, plus all the greenery around. Was really vibrant. We got to sample Jamaican coffee, I bought a shell necklace and we also got to drink rum punch. We saw a man climb a coconut tree and we got to sample coconut water and fresh coconut meat.
Then it was off to the beach – Dolphin Cove. We saw some dolphin swimming, but we didn’t pay the extra to swim with them. We got to the beach, which was a little disappointing in that it was small and cramped and just a tiny swimming area. BUT it is something to be able to see the big ship in the distance, surrounded by blue green water. We were fed lunch at the beach, including some jerked chicken – spicy and YUMMO! Then it was racing back to the ship … and I was too worried about the time to try to go back to the shopping center (walking distance) to get anymore souvenirs.
I’m glad Shawn and I got the time alone together. And after being off the ship for a week-plus and worrying about all the hassles of moving and job hunting … I appreciate the vacation time more, and the fact that we got to relax and put off the real world changes that are coming at us so quickly was invaluable to our sanity and relationship stability.
Some thoughts from my vacation journal:
Cruising seems like such a weird thing to do -- American excess on display. I don't know that I can fully leave my troubles behind -- immerse myself in vacation mode -- but I'll do my best to avoid writing about that here.
It feels like I'm at summer camp -- but with my best friend as my roommate! We don't know what we're doing, where to go, etc. But we'll figure it out together, just like we have our first 2+ years of marriage, which we're celebrating on this trip.
We're really lucky to be taking this vacation. I'm trying to keep up a good face and leave the snarky, gloomy, Eeyore-ish Mari back in New York. But I am who I am -- a white trash product who can't quite get it right in higher society. (Not that this was really high society, but it was masquerading as such!)
Now -- gentle rocking, rain clouds, Shawn on my shoulder, funny family to watch and listen to (who needs TV? "Shut the front door!"), ambient restaurant clatter, ink on paper, sun peeking through a bit. In love with my husband, deep breaths, holding eyes closed to capture my memory.
I am humbled by the scope of the sea -- the expanse of the sky. Water and heavens as far as the eye can see. Soak into my soul the power and majesty of our Lord and King.
A little bored during the days at sea -- and overwhelmed by the pretention. Giving you hamburger and telling you it's steak kind of thing -- and the people are eating it UP!!!
Shawn: "Being uncouth is a requirement to be on this ship." after I told him he wouldn't want to be uncouth while he buttoned his shirt amidst the den of adults playing Marco Polo -- in an indoor pool -- at the top of their lungs -- screaming and squealing all the way.
Weird there isn't a chapel on board, although the majesty of sky and sea is definitely a worshipful experience.
Final Saturday in the City
Probably not my last ever, as I intend to revisit this place when I can, but our last as true residents I'm sure. We'll be pulling out of here in the wee hours of next Saturday morning. Blurgh.
We couldn't have had better weather. There was very low humidity and the temps didn't get much higher than 80 F! Shawn woke me up early to tell me about tickets we could get to Race for this week (woo hoo, one last Broadway show!), so I went to the gym and then Morton Williams to stock up on Mud Truck coffee, although I can order it online from Baton Rouge after this stash runs out.
After I had a shower we went to a street festival nearby for lunch -- gotta love that $5 Thai combo special. YUM! Then we walked to the subway ... found the entrance we needed was closed ... and walked on up to 14th Street. The inconvenience was more tolerable because of the stunning weather.
We took the train to Grand Central and walked over to the UN. Despite having liquid (in the form of sunblock and Nalgenes full of water), we were able to get through security, check our bag and go the basement to mail postcards officially from non-U.S. soil. I wish we'd done it sooner because it was certainly an educational thing and probably would have been something our families would have liked. We did not do a tour - just mailed the cards and collected our bag.
We grabbed an M-15 bus; of course it had a broken speaker, so the driver announcing each stop was painful to the ears. We rode to South Ferry, the last stop, and hopped on the free ferry to Governor's Island.
So-Much-FUN. We rented bikes (I'll add pictures soon) and rode around the island, which gives views of the Statue of Liberty, Downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn. Very much worth the cost of the rental, and we got even more exercise to boot!
After returning our bikes and ferrying back to our home island, we walked back through the closing street festival for a necklace that I'd kept thinking about the entire day -- it's a little silver star. And it was still there! Shawn purchased it for me (huzzah, my husband has now bought me jewelry other than my wedding ring!) and we went on for our last sushi dinner at our favorite place.
Super exhausted, we got home and watched Young Frankenstein. It must have been funnier when it first came out! But it was good enough, and now Shawn's juggling, I'm computing and we're both avoiding packing. I think we need to get to it ... maybe tomorrow.
(More likely it will be a Thursday mad dash to get everything packed before the truck loaders show up at noon on Friday ... I certainly hope the weather is like this for that work, because then it would go quickly and painlessly!)
Edit: here's an image of the star necklace!
We couldn't have had better weather. There was very low humidity and the temps didn't get much higher than 80 F! Shawn woke me up early to tell me about tickets we could get to Race for this week (woo hoo, one last Broadway show!), so I went to the gym and then Morton Williams to stock up on Mud Truck coffee, although I can order it online from Baton Rouge after this stash runs out.
After I had a shower we went to a street festival nearby for lunch -- gotta love that $5 Thai combo special. YUM! Then we walked to the subway ... found the entrance we needed was closed ... and walked on up to 14th Street. The inconvenience was more tolerable because of the stunning weather.
We took the train to Grand Central and walked over to the UN. Despite having liquid (in the form of sunblock and Nalgenes full of water), we were able to get through security, check our bag and go the basement to mail postcards officially from non-U.S. soil. I wish we'd done it sooner because it was certainly an educational thing and probably would have been something our families would have liked. We did not do a tour - just mailed the cards and collected our bag.
We grabbed an M-15 bus; of course it had a broken speaker, so the driver announcing each stop was painful to the ears. We rode to South Ferry, the last stop, and hopped on the free ferry to Governor's Island.
So-Much-FUN. We rented bikes (I'll add pictures soon) and rode around the island, which gives views of the Statue of Liberty, Downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn. Very much worth the cost of the rental, and we got even more exercise to boot!
After returning our bikes and ferrying back to our home island, we walked back through the closing street festival for a necklace that I'd kept thinking about the entire day -- it's a little silver star. And it was still there! Shawn purchased it for me (huzzah, my husband has now bought me jewelry other than my wedding ring!) and we went on for our last sushi dinner at our favorite place.
Super exhausted, we got home and watched Young Frankenstein. It must have been funnier when it first came out! But it was good enough, and now Shawn's juggling, I'm computing and we're both avoiding packing. I think we need to get to it ... maybe tomorrow.
(More likely it will be a Thursday mad dash to get everything packed before the truck loaders show up at noon on Friday ... I certainly hope the weather is like this for that work, because then it would go quickly and painlessly!)
Edit: here's an image of the star necklace!
Seven Days, Seven Books
While on vacation I managed to read seven books. I would have read more, but there was limited access to NEW material. This was the only time I've wished for a Nook or Kindle or similar. Mostly I wished I'd packed more books. Anyway, highlights of what I read:
Little Altars Everywhere, by Rebecca Wells
This is set in Louisiana and is about a family named Walker. So of course I bought it! It's the book that comes before Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood, which I'm sure I read when it was making it big, but I intend to re-read or at least re-watch the movie. Any recommendations for LA-themed movies or books would be welcomed. This one mentioned three books, and I'll look into procuring those when I'm down south.
No Lifeguard on Duty, by Janice Dickinson
I know of "the world's first supermodel" because of her judging on America's Next Top Model. This was about her life well before that, in that ANTM isn't even mentioned (I think it got a book of its own later). This was OK, but mostly felt sorry for her.
The Summons, by John Grisham
I think I read this in a day. Nothing special about this legal drama except there was very little involving a court case and in fact there wasn't even a scene that took place during a trial.
How I Write, Janet Evanovich, et al
Big text made this a really fast read, also it was in Q&A format. It has some good practical tips ... and HILARIOUS excerpts from Stephanie Plum books (honestly I should re-read the entire series). I don't know that I have any better idea of how to put together a story, but good reference and maybe once I have a story to tell I can apply those tips.
Dearly Devoted Dexter, by Jeff Lindsay
This was the lone book of interest in the stack of about 20 that were for sale in the ship's gift shop. Lucky me, it was the next I needed to read in the series. I love Dexter, and although I enjoy the direction that the Showtime series has taken the characters more than the original books, I do like the books and they're tense and fun reads.
The Turing Option
This was one of Shawn's books. It came to that. He thought I wouldn't like this one, but I was desperate. It wasn't too bad, but just sci fi stuff from the 80s (?) that had funny projections about the future (120 MB would be more than enough memory to run a human brain, etc.!). It left a lot of things unanswered and wasn't well written or tight from that aspect, but better than twiddling my thumbs.
Neuromancer
Uh ... this was the one I didn't understand AT ALL. I finished it in New York, the day after we got back. It was another sci fi novel. It apparently was revolutionary because of its imagery. I just didn't get it, but again, better than twiddling my thumbs.
No TV allowed me lots of time to read before bed, plus there was plenty of waiting time in lines, before shows, etc. And of course I was able to read on deck, on the beach and so forth.
Little Altars Everywhere, by Rebecca Wells
This is set in Louisiana and is about a family named Walker. So of course I bought it! It's the book that comes before Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood, which I'm sure I read when it was making it big, but I intend to re-read or at least re-watch the movie. Any recommendations for LA-themed movies or books would be welcomed. This one mentioned three books, and I'll look into procuring those when I'm down south.
No Lifeguard on Duty, by Janice Dickinson
I know of "the world's first supermodel" because of her judging on America's Next Top Model. This was about her life well before that, in that ANTM isn't even mentioned (I think it got a book of its own later). This was OK, but mostly felt sorry for her.
The Summons, by John Grisham
I think I read this in a day. Nothing special about this legal drama except there was very little involving a court case and in fact there wasn't even a scene that took place during a trial.
How I Write, Janet Evanovich, et al
Big text made this a really fast read, also it was in Q&A format. It has some good practical tips ... and HILARIOUS excerpts from Stephanie Plum books (honestly I should re-read the entire series). I don't know that I have any better idea of how to put together a story, but good reference and maybe once I have a story to tell I can apply those tips.
Dearly Devoted Dexter, by Jeff Lindsay
This was the lone book of interest in the stack of about 20 that were for sale in the ship's gift shop. Lucky me, it was the next I needed to read in the series. I love Dexter, and although I enjoy the direction that the Showtime series has taken the characters more than the original books, I do like the books and they're tense and fun reads.
The Turing Option
This was one of Shawn's books. It came to that. He thought I wouldn't like this one, but I was desperate. It wasn't too bad, but just sci fi stuff from the 80s (?) that had funny projections about the future (120 MB would be more than enough memory to run a human brain, etc.!). It left a lot of things unanswered and wasn't well written or tight from that aspect, but better than twiddling my thumbs.
Neuromancer
Uh ... this was the one I didn't understand AT ALL. I finished it in New York, the day after we got back. It was another sci fi novel. It apparently was revolutionary because of its imagery. I just didn't get it, but again, better than twiddling my thumbs.
No TV allowed me lots of time to read before bed, plus there was plenty of waiting time in lines, before shows, etc. And of course I was able to read on deck, on the beach and so forth.
Video: International Juggler
Shawn, International Juggler from Mari on Vimeo.
I meant to take video of Shawn juggling on every beach ... but I didn't remember until Jamaica, our last port! But rest assured that he juggled in our cabin all along the way. He's getting quite good and can do tricks to amaze and defy gravity! This video is just a standard juggle, I think.
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