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.
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.
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