tv snob

i'm becoming one of those people who watches stupid programs on tv just because they're in high def. kelvin and i got our christmas present this weekend.... a 50" plasma. it's beautiful. so now i'm watching Barry Mantilow concerts and educational programming about tazmanian devils. the cool thing is that i can do that and see their individual nose hairs if i want.

it's probably a good thing i'm not working from home any more. i would never leave the living room.

christmas list

I am having a terrible time with christmas this year. i don't know what i should get for anyone, and i've not had much luck coming up with a list for myself.

i did think of a few things though (links are mostly for illustration. if you're buying these things, find the best deal (except don't skimp on the llbean tote ;) ):
1. memory stick 1g (i think kelvin might get me thing)
2. a llbean tote. open top, preferably large with long handles. i'm not picky on the color. monogramed would be cool but not necessary.
3. an oxo salad spinner. the small one is fine.
4. this one is really random... Enesco collectible company has a line called 'Heartwood Creek by Jim Shore". They have an angel figurine that has a nativity scene carved and painted on her dress, and she's holding a north star. i think the sku is JIMS-4003273. I just saw this at the mall a few weeks ago and it really jumped out at me. i think it's prettier in person than the photos online.
5. a cheaper option than the one above is the Star With Nativity - Heartwood Creek by Jim Shore Ornament.

potty talk

since i've been at this new job, there is only one thing that has really bothered me: the bathroom. i've resisted talking about this as most of you are probably not they type to talk about such vile topics; however, i am not above it.

i don't mind using public facilities (unlike my friend lil who would go home from work to potty if she couldn't hold it), but i do want some privacy. and it seems here, it's difficult to come by. i think it must be because this floor of the building is quite busy and contains most of the offices.

when i say i like my privacy, i just mean, i'd much rather be in there alone than with someone else there to act as witness, and i think at least some other people feel the same. take for instance the trip i just made there... someone went in just before me and i was done and washing up before this person was able to get her shy flow to come out of hiding.

so i'm just thinking maybe i should seek out another place to go or maybe we should devise a schedule...

like a cab on commission

i think everyone who ever reads my blog knows that i consider myself a relatively intelligent person. but you'll also agree that i am still blonde and have moments where we can all laugh at me. and i just had one of those moments so i thought you might enjoy the laugh as well...

i bought the new mariah carey cd because i heard several songs i liked and while i think she should probably cover up her lovely lady lumps a bit better, i support a girl who has a nervous breakdown and comes back like she has.

today at work there are only about 4 of us in the building it seems so i'm trying to keep myself entertained until 4 when i feel like i can leave since i came in early. so i'm listening to mariah and i decide to look at the lyrics online.

i realize i've been singing "Like a cab on commision, i gotta get up out of here and go somewhere" instead of "Just like the Calgon commercial, I really gotta get up outta here and go somewhere". Calgon commercial, cab on commission... same thing.

i just wish i was near my brother so i could annoy him by singing it wrong; he likes it when i do that.

treasures

i have been trying to think every day about something i really enjoy. today's joy came early. i realized how much i love putting on a coat for the first time of the season. there are always little treasures in the pockets that make me smile.

work has been going well. i can't believe i'm in week 3 of a new job. of course, i don't feel like i've really done anything. if you know me, you know i like to have a task, a goal, something to strive for. these first weeks have really just been fact finding and trying to figure out what i want and need to do.

in more exciting news, cara finally got her ring this weekend. i guess that means i need to start working on getting pregnant since she wants me to have to wear a tent ;) i'm not sure i can clear this idea with k just yet though. i think we have another year or two to wait. we'll get all three of us married first before we start the baby rotation. but i think it does mean i should get serious about losing some body mass.

well, back to work it is...

day two

i survived the first two days of the new job. i think i'm going to love it (what am i saying, i already do). it's always going to be a nice place to be when you boss comes in and says 'i have a prize for you' and hands over an iPod shuffle for no real reason other than 'everyone else has one and i didnt want you to feel left out'. how cool is that?

i've already acquired several projects to begin working on. there is SO much room for me to do my own thing and do some new, different things for them. i think i'll be glad when i finish teaching these THREE courses I have going. i'm ready for a break from that.

i'm super into this fall thing. something about the north east inspires it in me. leaves changing, mums in full bloom. i've been making pumpkin delight, spice cake and trying different types of squash. i made and ate spaghetti squash for the first time in my life last week. it was excellent with just a little butter (actually Promise spread since i'm trying to get un-fat), salt and pepper and Parmesan cheese. this weekend i made butternut squash soup (or mush), and i have an acorn squash left to attempt.

k's parents are coming for thanksgiving. it'll be the first time i think i've had a holiday at my house. i've never made a turkey before so it should be an interesting adventure... as long as i don't put grits on it i'll be fine. (that's a family inside joke that does require a story).

---

One Thanksgiving several years ago we were at my Papa's house. He's an excellent cook, but my mom was in charge of the turkey that year. My papa was up early and wanted to get the turkey in the oven before things got wild so he went in to my sleeping mom to ask what he needed to do. she told him to put it in the browning bag, tie the bag and put some slits in the top. Once we were all up my mom checked the turkey to find white specks all over the top of the turkey. Upon inquiring it became clear that there was a mis-understanding in the sleepy pre-dawn conversation... she said slits and he heard 'grits'.

my lovely lady lumps

in just a few hours we're headed to philly for the Black Eyed Peas and Gwen Stefani. i can't wait.

i've been grading all morning, but i think i'm all caught up. in the course(s) i'm currently teaching one of their discussion questions for this week is about blogs and blogging. they all have such a hatred for blogging. idiots. they just don't understand how wonderful it is to live vicariously through others.

i guess i need to go iron for today and tomorrow. i still haven't decided what to wear tomorrow for my big first day. decisions, decisions.

back in the saddle

i know, i know. i haven't been here in a while, and I promised to get back earlier this week, but alas it is friday and here i sit. it's my last official day of full-time work for my current employer. monday, i start a fresh.

i think i hate coming back to this after so long because i have too much to say. So maybe i'll say some short, sweet things and you can ask for me if you really care...

ONE. yes, i had a great trip to louisiana. i ate lots of good things and just hung out with my family. it was nice.

TWO. yes, new orleans looks as bad as the news makes it out to be. actually, i think it worse in person. i flew in to NO and went with dad to his staging site by Audubon park. there were refrigerators standing by the curbs to replace the usually colorful characters that line the streets of new orleans.

i think the hardest part of the trip were all the long faces on the planes to and from. conversations about fema trailers and relocation and mold replaced the usual war stories of drunken nights, eating too much and when to plan the next trip to party. i did run into a college friend who was down to visit her family. she's been relocated to philadelphia so maybe we can get together while she's here. two feet of water in her house have washed away many of her things. but she still had that killer smile that attracts all the boys.

THREE. yes, i'm excited about my new job. i'm not excited that my hair is cut funky and i feel fat and frumpy. weight watchers and working out here i come.

FOUR. yes, i am crazy. this is my last day of full-time work for them, but i will continue teaching my faculty course through the first of december AND i have two online courses i'm teaching (luckily same course, two different sections). so basically i'm swamped until christmas.

FIVE. speaking of christmas, i have no ideas for presents. i think my gift giving ability is cyclical. last year i did great. had ideas for everyone, and this year i suck. so if anyone has any ideas, let me know.


I think I'll end with five for now. maybe after i do some work i'll add a few more. until then...

change on the horizon

well, it finally happened. Lafayette College called. i actually had to listen to a voicemail last night because when he called I was on the phone with John Curtis who I have only talked to maybe twice since Katrina.

i called them back today to talk details, and i've been weighing my options since. i'll let you see what you think:

Current job

Lafayette job

work from home - wear whatever i want no commute (except into the next room) flexibility to run errands, do laundry, etc. lonely and lack of creative cynergy isolated (esp when Tim's not around) pay - same as current benefits - same as current professional development - not much if any maxing out my abilities at a distance mostly Blackboard support mostly support faculty larger school; Michigan name recognition

go in to an office - must look "professional" only 4 mile commute work normal 8:45 - 5 hours people to bounce ideas off of potential to meet new people, make community connections pay - slight increase benefits - .5% difference in retirement professional development - highly supported opportunities for building new skills and using more of my creativity than now more "academic" technology work with faculty, staff and students smaller, liberal arts; back to my roots

toenails red as skittles

not sure about the title of this post other than i just spent a few minutes of my work day giving myself a little pedicure. i've been noticing that because of this work at home thing i've been letting myself go a little. got to stop that.

it's been a long boring day. i know it's my fault since i do have lots of work that needs to get done, but i just couldn't bring myself to do much of it. i did get caught up with grading for that faculty training course i teach. that's another thing i've sorta let go. it's really hard when there are just two people. and the other issue is that i've been spending lots and lots of time with my Baker class. they're so needy. i just can't figure out why it's so hard to read something in a book and copy it to your computer. but they seem to be having a problem with it. i think maybe it's the attention to detail that they lack.

they offered me a contract to teach this same course two sections each term for winter. i'm not sure how i feel about that. i mean, don't get me wrong $6200 in 12 weeks sounds grand, but it's a hassle. so i have to make a decision what i want to do. i wish i had heard from lafayette to know if that's a go. if i knew, i might could make a better decision. but still i wait.

nothing very exciting to report. it rained all weekend. we did go buy a deep cleaner for the carpet. kelvin used it in the living room on sunday afternoon. it works nicely and the cleaning stuff smells great so that's a plus. i just wonder if the little spots will come back or if they're gone for good.

on another random note, i do love the cold weather. it makes hairy much more of a lovey. basically, she's cold and i'm warm so she endures sitting on me and sleeping near me in exchange for some additional warmth. she's just a user.

well, i think my friend Oprah is calling...

a nice new sticker

well, i didn't have to let loose any deamons on the heads of people at the car dealership who did my inspection. luckily they didn't have to order any parts to put the new sticker on. i guess now i can stop cursing their name. i was so looking forward to them saying 'well, it's been over 30 days, you're going to have to pay again'. At which point i had practiced a manouver to leap over the counter and unleash some of my "southern charms".

other than that lack of excitement this morning, nothing really going on. still working from home. still waiting to hear back from my interview. i knew it was going to be at least a couple of weeks so i'm not super anxious about it yet. i do however, keep thinking of things i wish i would have told them or answers i could have given. isn't that how it always works though?

well, back to the salt mines...

girl power!

I spent less than half an hour today doing some light mechanic work on my car. I felt so empowered. I had finally had enough of this tail light drama so I went to Auto Zone and ordered the part. It was delivered to their store about 24 hours later and I picked it up last night. Getting my hands a little dirty was so worth the $50 saved and the lack of hassle.

I'm not sure that's I've shared the tail light drama on here so some of you may not be informed. See, here in the lovely state of pennsylvania they require two different inspections: a general mechanical inspection and an emissions test. I took my car in mid-August for both of these. I paid them the $55 and they passed my 10 year old car on emissions but said to get the mechanical i would need to have my right rear tail light replaced. They said they could get one from a junkyard and it would be $140 with labor and everything. I said sure and had them order it, or so i thought. The suggested 3-5 days passed and no call so on day 8 i called them. Seems no one told the parts guy to order it so he assured me he would and would call when i came in.

So another 8-10 days pass and no call. So I call again and this time it was a 'oh, the junk yard didn't have it in when we called and we didn't know what you wanted to do.' What i wanted to do was go up there and stangle them, but instead I asked that they order the part new and give me a call when it was in. It was only a $10 difference so I was going to be flexible. My flexibility gave out last week when kelvin called for me and sure enough, no part.

This is when I took matters into my own hands literally.

So the word to all my female friends is to put it to the man next time and just do it yourself. It's a great way to waste a half hour. And i think i'm going to use the $50 saved for a really nice pair of shoes.

a fun weekend

Other than grading all day yesterday I had a fun weekend. Saturday Kelvin and I escaped to the mall for a few hours. I picked up some nice thing including a brown suit. Hopefully I won't have to wear that other than for maybe the presidential inauguration at Lafayette (am I wishful thinking?).

We drove down to Wilmington to meet up with friends for the evening. It was nice to dress up for a change. We ate at this place called Pharohs. I don't advise it if you're on a schedule. Then we went to this new cool club. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the northern Delaware area. It's call Lux and it was very nice. I recommend the drink "Sunset on Normandy". I'm sure we'll be back there soon. Kelvin had called a few days before and spoke with one of the co-owners. She was super nice and hooked us up with a nice loungy corner for the evening. We did a little dancing, but mostly talking to the THIRTEEN of us that ended up there together. Kelvin and his entorage...

the morning after

This morning after I awoke from my light coma I watched a movie and just relaxed. It was such a long day yesterday, but I feel like it went well. I think it would be a great opportunity to move in a slightly different direction than I'm currently headed. I hope if they make an offer it's quite attractive so the decision will not be difficult.

The school, and especially the newly renovated library facility where I would work is amazing. They certainly don't cut many corners; everything is top of the line. I think I wouldn't be disappointed with a 21" studio flat screen connected to a G5 on my desk :)

One member of the search committee is going to be out of the office for two weeks (how's that for vacation and personal development time?) so disappointedly, I probably won't hear anything until mid to late October. Once they meet, they'll decide if the "need to bring in another candidate."

So again I sit and wait.

Good news

After weeks of bad news I finally got a breath of fresh air yesterday. Lafayette College called. I have an interview there on the 29th and 30th of this month. I guess it's going to be a busy couple of weeks.

I leave Sunday for Flint. We have our faculty development day next Wednesday. I'm trying to ignore the fact that I have four presentations to make that day. It is exciting to see everyone and meet a few of the faculty I've been working with but haven't met.

For the second time in two weeks I got a wicked migraine Monday night. Though not as bad it's been lingering on. I feel like my eyes might explode. I think it's going to be a long day...

storm work

Mom sent me a few photos of dad's new portable office and the mamoth truck they used to move it to Metarie this weekend. It's really good to know that dad still has a place to prop his feet up on a desk. I wonder if he's still able to get his after lunch nap in? Actually she said he was probably sleeping in there last night... Luckily they have a fouton.

guilt

i've discussed this with several people whose judgement and opinions i trust. with them i've come to the conclusion that these feelings we're having all boil down to guilt.

guilt for having left my former home for yankee country.
guilt that i care now but probably didn't before.
guilt that even though i care, i still do very little.

i've given some money to the red cross, and i bought a Walmart gift card to send to a friend to help her and her family. it doesn't feel like enough, but it's all i have to give for now.

the email i sent out this morning

I don't usually send out email like this, but the past week and a half has been nothing usual.

As most of you know, I am from Louisiana and my family still lives there. My parents who live in Baton Rouge had just a few trees down but no real damage from the storm. My brother who lives on the Northshore of Lake Ponchartrain also fared okay. Most of the siding is gone off their brand new home, but they're all safe.

My dad works for the electric utility company there and has been working 18-20 hour days making sure restoration crews have meals and at least a cot to get a little sleep. While schools and universities have been closed my sister has gone up to their church to play with children and help the 80-90 people who are staying there for the week.

While my family's lives are okay, many of my friends and former students are living with friends and family in other cities throughout the state as they can not return to their homes in New Orleans.

This morning I've been online getting information for my dad who is trying to help arrange a way to get a 13 year-old boy to San Antonio. He was separated from his mom during the evacuation, and they located her at a shelter in San Antonio. I can't even imaging how frightening it would be for anyone, much less a child.

I say all this to encourage you to help in any way you can. I know on campus there is a collection going on today for the Red Cross, and if you feel compelled, please give. There are many other organizations accepting donations so I encourage you to find the way that feels right to you, and give what you can no matter how great or small.

We think of tragedy like this striking people who are very far away, but this feels very personal to me.

a long, tearful week

i realize i haven't posted in several days. mostly becuase i couldn't find words. i've gone through the whole gambut of emotions: fear as the storm went through, relief when i talked to cara who was lounging in bed watching the rain, panic as we didn't hear from my brother for several days, sadness to watch my fellow statesmen with nothing but their life, anger listening to the blame game from ivory towers when people are still hurting and lost. i don't think i've ever cried so much watching the news. i can't decide if i would be better off if i were closer. it's been tempting to load up the car and hit the road headed south.

but instead of heading south i just wait on instant messanger for any of my family to get online and talk to me. i can't tell you how many times i've listened to the operator tell me 'due to the hurricane in the area you are calling your call can not be completed'.

i've also tried to contact several of my friends and former students who i believe may have been effected. i've also scoured several message boards and websites just checking up on people. i'm so glad to hear from them or about them.

Katrina coming to visit

I talked to my sister this morning. They were laying awake in bed watching the storm come in. I'm so nervous about what's happening back home. I hope they come through alright. As you can imaging the cell phone service is busy so I'm not sure when I'll be able to talk to them again. Soon i hope; I worry until then.

When I talked to my brother they were going to Fallyn's parents house because they have a theatre room with no windows where they could at least be safe from flying glass. They live on the Northshore of New Orleans on Lake Ramsey. I just hope they're far enough away to stay safe.

I guess we'll just watch and wait. I'm sure dad will put in plenty of overtime in the coming weeks.

Not sure if anyone reads my blog, but this is one I've been keeping up and refreshed as this begins: http://www.nola.com/weblogs/nola/

a Tide-al wave

What an eventful evening. Instead of going upstairs and working like I should have, Kelvin and I popped in our second Netflix: Million Dollar Baby. It was the first few minutes of the movie and i was having a hard time focusing. All of a sudden this loud explosion sound came from the laundry room. I jumped up only to realize the huge bottle of Tide that I had used for the first time to wash this load had wiggled off the washing machine in it's final spin cycle. It's not just a regular bottle, it's the he Tide from sams that does 150 loads or something crazy like that. It fell on the top and the lid shattered and a font of blue slimy liquid was gushing all over the laundry room floor.

Kelvin went up and got a handful of towels and I began cleaning up the mess... Boy we have some clean towels this week.

Cheeseburgers in Paradise

Last night I was able to finally experience a Jimmy Buffet concert live and in person. It was such an experience... I think if I ever have a third opportunity to go, I'd even enjoy just doing the tail-gating that happens pre-concert. What a fun party. Kelvin says it's such a white-person thing... wear grass skirts and crazy costumes, drink beer, eat crap, bring pools with sand or water... you probably get the picture.

Kelvin and I are going to run some errands today since he took the day off. We're in search of a book shelf for the office that will hold all our written treasures. Seems with me not having an office we have way more crap in here. Other than that, no real weekend plans. Maybe a movie or dinner out... we're so wild and crazy.

in search of a purple shirt

good thing i got an early start on work this morning seeing as how i took a two hour "lunch" to get a USB hub and ended up searching all over for a purple dress shirt for kelvin. he's finally decided that purple might be nice, and it would go especially well with the pants and tie i bought him this weekend so i hate to not look. it's just hard to find a 18.5 neck that has 36-37 inch sleeves.

i always seem to have issues with clothing makers. when will they realize that not all of us who have large chests also have ass for days? and in kelvin's case, why do they think all men who have thick necks also have short stubby arms? we also have these issues with shoes, but i'll not get into that right now. i just hate it for any offspring we may bring into this world... they're screwed!

I talk too much and say too little

I think too much; it gets me in trouble.

I know those aren't the actual lyrics for you Better than Ezra fans, but I think the last line is more appropriate for me. I do feel a little like I have nothing profound to say; but some of you have been harassing me about not writing so here goes...

This working from home is getting better I guess. I feel much more productive if I sit in the office upstairs, but I still feel guilty that I haven't really produced as much tangible product as I usually do in the office. Hopefully that is about to change. I'm working on this Captivate course that feels like has taken me forever. I finally have a pressing deadline so I think I'll be done next week; I hope so cause I'm ready to move on to some other things that excite me more.

I must say there are some drawbacks to working from home. Yesterday the cat barfed her breakfast up on the table so I had to clean that up; that would never happen in a real office.

I did have a good time with my sister here last week. She left on Monday and she never had a bunny spotting the whole time she was here. That's why the photo of the bunny. I hope we didn't bore her; but I'm afraid we did. Her being here made me realize how old kelvin and I act. We really don't lead exciting lives anymore; not that I ever did really. Hopefully we'll find some connections soon and have some stories to tell. While she was here we (should I say her because I simply assisted) added a third coat to the red in the laundry and kitchen. I love it. You can see updated photos here.

Still no word form the new LC. I was hoping that by sending my interview suit to my seamstress mother they would call in an ironic turn of events and I would have to wear my old suit. But alas, no call. I do know that one of my three references just got information in to them this week so maybe that is all they were waiting on. I can be optimistic right?

I began to panic yesterday morning about money. I guess I finally realize we are going to have to pay for this wonderful house we're living in. Tough to grow up huh? Anyway, I know we'll be fine financially, but something flipped my panic button and I've begun to obsess about ways to save money and make more money. As a matter of fact, I know kelvin wants to go out to dinner tonight and to lunch and a movie tomorrow, but I've been thinking of things I could cook tonight instead so we can save that money just in case. It's okay to be frugal right? Or am I going crazy?

In other household news, the green bell peppers are growing. Ironic that neither of us like bell peppers and yet it's the only vegetable growing in our yard. I guess the people before us like them. I think if the rabbits don't eat them I'll at least try them just to say I've eaten something grown in our yard. I just wish it was yellow squash or something I might appreciate more. But it has been fun to watch them grow. It's amazing to see the daily changes in living things. I guess we don't realize the changes in one another as dramatically. Maybe if we did we could be more sensitive to the needs of others.

I guess I've gotten a little philosophical being at home alone all day. I think it's helped to slow down and examine things from a different perspective. If I come to any real dramatic realizations I'll be sure to share those.

one of those bloggers i hate

I'm becoming that. That blogger who drives me crazy because they don't post for a couple of days and then when they do it's stupid. eek. I don't want to be that...

They finally got the Internet working consistently on Saturday. I worked a full day yesterday here in my home office. It was quite nice. I had a helper too.

She's so funny. We had a storm come through and last a while. She finally gave up on watching the rain fall and she crashed. We have bunnies and some sort of prairie dog looking animal who come visit her at the back porch. I really think one day she may break through the sliding glass door.

Our other excitment yesterday was getting PA insurance and plates for the cars. Today we're going to attempt the DMV; I'm sure that will lend itself to some great stories.

I guess I should attempt to get caught up with work since I'm not two weeks behind because of the move and the lack of Internet that actually worked. (Can you tell i'm a little bitter?)

Frazzled week

It's been one of those weeks where I want to get in bed and wake up next week. I think some times I underestimate what can really be done in a set timeframe. Of course, the most frustrating part of the week has been the Internet connection. First it was our frying of the wireless router. That was replaced and now the cable signal comes and goes throughout the day. It works first thing in the morning so I am attempting to get as much done between 5:30 and 9 am before it decides to crap out. Yesterday afternoon I worked on getting the office put together so I could get work done. If it doesn't work this afternoon I'll work on the Captivate course. I'd like to finish the course by the end of next week so it's off my plate.

I've had some exciting things on the job front. I got a call on Monday from a school we'll call NJ2. I did a phone interview with them the same afternoon. It was a great conversation and it was equally as sad to pull my name out of their search. The school is about 80 miles from here and while the 55K salary was tempting, I just don't think I can do that commute every day.

Yesterday I went on a face-to-face interview with NJ1. I think they would be really great to work for. They have a great program and the boss seems exceptional. They do lots of pilots, and I think they have lots of room for creativity. I worry about the commute there too. It's not that it's a bad drive, I just hate for kelvin and I both to drive to NJ everyday.

The best news (in my opinion) is from Lafayette. I got email from the boss there, we talked by phone Monday, and I am going to campus this afternoon to "talk" to him. I can't really decide if this is an interview or what exactly. I mean obviously he wants to meet me to check me out. He said on the phone that the committee was impressed with what they saw. I might feel differently later, but for now, I think this is my best option. The location is great, the fact that I would get to work with faculty, staff and students is exciting to me, and of course the idea that they have two classrooms of Mac's is always a plus.

So say a prayer if you think about it. I just don't think this work from home thing is going to work for me for the long term.

In other news, the house is still coming along. I don't have much time to work on things during the day, but I've tried to do a little each evening. Hopefully I'll get more done this weekend.

Settling in

it's only been a few days but i feel like we're beginning to settle in a bit. we've cooked three meals here now so i think in some weird way that equates settling. i've posted some pictures of the house it's not perfect by any means but it's coming along.

today we fixed breakfast and sat for a while watching tv. i unpacked two or three more boxes and put some things away. then we left here in the big Penske truck to run errands. (let me plug Penske right now... they're great. the truck was relatively new and their rates are so much better than the other rental places; we got discounts for reserving online and for AAA. we had the truck from wednesday to sunday which is much longer than the others too. So what i'm saying is, rent penske if you need a big truck.-- enough of the shameless plug.)

So we ran errands in the big truck. We headed out and went to U-haul to return the six dozen furniture pads we rented for the move. We left there and went to Lowe's. I bought the parts to put up wire shelving in the laundry room. They make charcoal shelves now supposedly for the garage, but i'm all about matching and since the washer and dryer are black i went with the super duty shelves. I'll tackle that project maybe on my lunch break tomorrow. We also picked up a super cool water sprinkler. It has this track thing where you can create a water pattern so it only waters where you want it to as it goes around. It's hard to explain, but it's super cool. We also picked up a sprayer for the hose. It's going to be a challenge to keep this yard as beautiful as it is so we are trying to gather the tools to keep it looking good.

After Lowes we went to Wal-mart. I must say it's nice to be back in a place where wal-mart isn't a bad word. We bought an outside trash can and got a discount because they didn't have the lid. We also bought a weed eater and some other miscellaneous stuff we needed but forgot yesterday when we were there.

After depositing the purchases at the house we took the truck back. i think kelvin was a little sad; he had become attached to driving it, and he did a great job.

Of course at this point in the day it was about 3 and our orange danish and sausage was long gone. Kelvin grilled up steaks and i fixed sliced potatoes with Tony's. It was a yummy meal, and luckily we didn't run out of propane.

i have lots to do tomorrow for work. it'll be my first official day on the job as a telecommuter. We'll see how that goes.

on the road

it was about 53 degress outside when we woke up this morning. i just hope the coolness holds on sans rain so we can get packed up. kelvin and i have been up an hour or so finishing up packing. taking the bed apart and such as that. we hope to be on the road as soon as Red's crew gets us loaded and i vacuum and wipe down the bathrooms. just trying to get that deposit back from the rental office.

i can't believe today is here. if all goes well we'll rest our heads in Easton tonight and in our new house tomorrow night. i can't wait.

if anyone reads this and is bored tonight, give me a call on the cell; i'll be on the road. just think about braut and hairy in the car for 10 hours. call for my sanity.

on the job front

well, i had a second round phone interview this morning with a great school in NJ not far from where Kelvin is working. the boss i visited with seems cool. i emailed more stuff to her after we finished and I've already heard back. i have a campus interview on Wednesday next week. woo hoo. confidence builder if nothing else.

i decided last night i need to write a short comedy piece about moving since i have so much experience. i think i'll start with a lesson i learned last night... make sure your grandmothers dining room table is locked before you unscrew the thing and stand the top on it's side. there IS a story there, and you can just imagine me with this wood table top flinging apart. luckly i was home alone and the dog had finally decided to go take a nap in another room.

i have plenty more, but time is short and kelvin flies in in about 35 minutes. i guess i should head that direction.

a week away

It's absolutley exciting and terrifying that in exactly a week we'll be closing on the house, and there's so much to do before then. I have some photos up of the place: the house.

more at ease

I finally broke down and called Lafayette College again.. Seems mister McElroy has been on vacation for THREE weeks. Who puts up a job ad and then goes on vacation for three weeks straight? I guess it's pretty smart on his part, but it's grueling for me.

Anyway, I talked to the secretary and they did get my application materials. She said he should be back in early next week. They haven't even started putting the selection committee together so she said 'it could be a while'. So my mind is a bit more at ease. Their delay could allow me to work for a month or two for UM-Flint and finish some projects as well as get the house settled and cute before I make new friends for us at the new LC :) I'm wishful thinking again, but it's good to think positive right?

packing, packing and more packing

my weekend was spent with my lovers: clear tape and cardboard. i got lots done, but it seems the longer i work and more i pack the more i have left to do. sigh.

i also watched movies this weekend. i made sure i had Netflix at the house that i knew kelvin wouldn't want to watch. Taxi, Soul Plane and the United States of Leland. The two former were stupid no-brain sorts of movies so i could chill on the couch and not think about all the stuff i have to do. united states of leland was a bit dark but i think i liked it. it seems to lack some of the connections i needed to make it work for me, but i like kevin spacy and the girl who played jen on dawson's creek so it was an okay way to waste some time.

just one week to come to work in "real" clothes. i need to get my head really around this work at home concept. i have so much i want to get accomplished; i think i can make it happen.

fired over flip-flops?

I'm feeling rebellious today so i wore flip-flops to work. they aren't the really cheap obnoxious foamy ones so i'm hoping my boss will not fire me or anything. i mean, it's not like anyone else is at work on a friday in the summer.

i would really prefer to be at home packing the contents of my life into cardboard boxes but I guess income is more important that what i prefer. this move really doesn't feel all that real to me yet.. i mean yes, i've already begun signing my life away to the mortgage broker, but the paperwork doesn't feel real. real will be moving stuff in, cleaning, pulling weeds from the flowerbeds, not being angry at the women who insists on walking her mangy dogs outside our back door every morning, and not having the old lady above us run her dogs around the house like a race track.

a fresh start

i figure it's time for a fresh start. another summer, another move. i can't believe i'm packing up again. i guess the present stress will be worth the future payoff.

i guess i should maybe give some back information. the current situation is that:

1. Kelvin left today for his new job in NJ. Seton Hall. Impressive huh?
2. We close on a house in Forks Twp, PA on July 28
3. I've applied for a few jobs, but then my boss decided I could work at a distance so I'll be an official tele-commuter come August 1.

I'll fill you in more tomorrow...