Like the world is caving in on me and no matter how much digging and climbing (or in this case cleaning, painting, and "fixing"), I'll never escape suffocation.
I'm really sick of the rollercoaster I'm on. One minute I'll start to feel confident about the work that we've done and think that we'll be ready to go on time. The next minute I'm looking around and thinking that we'll never get the house looking as good as we can and therefore we'll never get any money out of it. That's my biggest fear, I think--that we're asking too much and the house will sit for a very long time. Or that someone will make an offer, but we'll have to lose money to sell. There are so many little piddly things I'd still like to get done. And then my very biggest fear of all is having to keep it looking nice every single day while it's on the market--just in case someone wants to come see it. I just don't see how that is going to be possible. I can't wait until this whole episode is over--of course then I'll have to face moving, moving in to a new place, finding a job in Phoenix and starting completely over. It's all doable--and I'm even looking forward to the Being In Phoenix part of it--it's just a bit overwhelming when I think of it.
So anyway. We made a couple shampoo passes at the carpets, painted Kiki's room, cleaned up the front porch area and made a pathetic attempt at replacing the door handle hardware on the outer glass door. I cussed a lot, much to my mother's dismay, and threw my hands up and fled to the back porch for a good cry. She got it working, finally, although the door itself is crooked in the frame, so the door doesn't shut right anyway. Earlier today I cleaned out the storage shed, which was a nasty mess. Hopefully someone handyman-or-woman will appreciate the extra tool/garden storage. Didn't really get much else done today, I guess...a lot of looking around for house numbers and paint and drapery hardware. I'm so sick of it all!!
Anyway. Today is the last day of the 3 day weekend. I'm very thankful to have had three days off, and more than ecstatic that my mom was able to come visit and help as much as she has...but I'm loathe to go back to work. I need the time here to work and clean and pack and prepare. Mom's going to hang out for another day or so, I think, but then she has to go... I hope she can come back, because I really don't think I can handle this by myself.
*sigh* I'm so tired.
Monday, May 31, 2004
Sunday, May 30, 2004
Saturday, May 29, 2004
The Holes Get Deeper
So it's Saturday already, and I've neglected to inform you of the goings-on of the past two days. Strap yourself in--it's a bumpy ride.
Monica Turner, the Realtor, came over Thursday evening for our meeting. She was 1/2 hour early, so mom and I were still frantically cleaning when the doorbell rang. She assured me that we need not worry about it for her sake, but still I can't help but think making a good impression on the Realtor is one of the most important things we could do! She seems really great, and I think I'll enjoy working with her. She appears to be ready to bend over backwards not only to sell the house, but to help me out along the way--going so far as to say that if I needed help cleaning up and getting ready for an Open House I had but to call her! She also said she's got some decor stuff she can bring over to dress the place up, since I've packed all our stuff away. The sad news is that unless someone REALLY wants the house and there is some sort of bidding war, we're going to be hard pressed to recoup anything but what we currently have out in loans. If we ask (and get) the price that would pay everything off and give us a little extra, we will raise the comps for our neighbourhood about $3/sq ft. Seems unlikely. But you never know. We left the meeting with a ballpark idea for asking price, and I had to call Russell for his input on that. Of course he wants to ask for more, but I'm afraid that will put people off, and then the house will just sit without showing. It's all very frustrating and scary. I've been bitchy, to say the least. My apologies to all I come in contact with.
So mom again kicked ass Thursday, cleaning an amazing amount of house. Kiki's room is actually smelling better, so I can stand to go in and start cleaning and packing more in there. The bathrooms and kitchen look amazing, and the living room too. I can't imagine how hard it would be for me to have to do all the work that she has helped with. As I type, she has started painting in the guest room! We put up the screens in the Master Windows yesterday evening, bought a new screen door for the back porch and put it up today (total pain in the butt, by the way). We also bought a replacement mirror for the Master Bath this afternoon, and will try to get it installed later. We took the last of the recycling to Yukon (from here on out I'll be throwing it all away--I can't afford to have the recycling boxes cluttering up the kitchen as they have for the past 10 months--and that kills me!), and dropped a ton of stuff off at Goodwill. I've been doing some paint touch ups here and there and thought I'd take a break and get this all off my chest. There is so much more to be done, it seems, but we are making some progress. Again, without my mom here, there is no way this house would be ready to go next week. I might have been able to put it on the market, but people would have fled in horror at the mess or the stink or something!
Anyway. I'm going to grab a quick snack, down some Alleve, and get busy. Thanks for listening.
Monica Turner, the Realtor, came over Thursday evening for our meeting. She was 1/2 hour early, so mom and I were still frantically cleaning when the doorbell rang. She assured me that we need not worry about it for her sake, but still I can't help but think making a good impression on the Realtor is one of the most important things we could do! She seems really great, and I think I'll enjoy working with her. She appears to be ready to bend over backwards not only to sell the house, but to help me out along the way--going so far as to say that if I needed help cleaning up and getting ready for an Open House I had but to call her! She also said she's got some decor stuff she can bring over to dress the place up, since I've packed all our stuff away. The sad news is that unless someone REALLY wants the house and there is some sort of bidding war, we're going to be hard pressed to recoup anything but what we currently have out in loans. If we ask (and get) the price that would pay everything off and give us a little extra, we will raise the comps for our neighbourhood about $3/sq ft. Seems unlikely. But you never know. We left the meeting with a ballpark idea for asking price, and I had to call Russell for his input on that. Of course he wants to ask for more, but I'm afraid that will put people off, and then the house will just sit without showing. It's all very frustrating and scary. I've been bitchy, to say the least. My apologies to all I come in contact with.
So mom again kicked ass Thursday, cleaning an amazing amount of house. Kiki's room is actually smelling better, so I can stand to go in and start cleaning and packing more in there. The bathrooms and kitchen look amazing, and the living room too. I can't imagine how hard it would be for me to have to do all the work that she has helped with. As I type, she has started painting in the guest room! We put up the screens in the Master Windows yesterday evening, bought a new screen door for the back porch and put it up today (total pain in the butt, by the way). We also bought a replacement mirror for the Master Bath this afternoon, and will try to get it installed later. We took the last of the recycling to Yukon (from here on out I'll be throwing it all away--I can't afford to have the recycling boxes cluttering up the kitchen as they have for the past 10 months--and that kills me!), and dropped a ton of stuff off at Goodwill. I've been doing some paint touch ups here and there and thought I'd take a break and get this all off my chest. There is so much more to be done, it seems, but we are making some progress. Again, without my mom here, there is no way this house would be ready to go next week. I might have been able to put it on the market, but people would have fled in horror at the mess or the stink or something!
Anyway. I'm going to grab a quick snack, down some Alleve, and get busy. Thanks for listening.
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Psycho-Lilah
Delilah loves feet. There is no getting around it or over it. She is a foot-lickin' fool. She also appreciates a good stomping--as long as she's the one doing it. My poor mother has had more foot baths and claw-encounters in the past day than she's probably suffered in her whole life. I lost my temper a bit this morning and gave Delilah a rather rough alpha pin after witnessing her maul my mother as she innocently tried to make it to the bathroom. Let me clarify here by saying that Delilah isn't being mean or aggressive in any way...she's just madly excited about having new feet to lick and a new body to jump up on. Tonight with the Realtor should be interesting. I'm thinking leashes all around. :)
So it's Thursday, and mom made it in safely yesterday evening. We did some cleaning/tidying up last night, and had a nice dinner at the Souper!Salad! place. She's been working all day, bless her heart...I'm going to have to make her sit down and chill out this evening while I get some stuff done prior to Monica's arrival at 7pm.
Which incidentally I'm very excited and nervous about. I want the house to be perfect for her, but that's not possible. I'm looking forward to hearing her suggestions on what we can do to make the house better, but scared that it will entail a lot more work/expenditure, and delay getting it on the market. There is so much that we left undone, and what we have finished may need to be re-done because it's particular to our tastes and not the general populace (I'm referring to the master bedroom and foyer--fantastic faux paint work by Russell, but apparently in colours that could be off-putting. Curious to see what Monica has to say.). Anyway. At least it's a long weekend, so we can hopefully get a TON done, and not get too distracted by the computer, TV, or multiple shopping excursions.
I will, of course, keep you posted.
So it's Thursday, and mom made it in safely yesterday evening. We did some cleaning/tidying up last night, and had a nice dinner at the Souper!Salad! place. She's been working all day, bless her heart...I'm going to have to make her sit down and chill out this evening while I get some stuff done prior to Monica's arrival at 7pm.
Which incidentally I'm very excited and nervous about. I want the house to be perfect for her, but that's not possible. I'm looking forward to hearing her suggestions on what we can do to make the house better, but scared that it will entail a lot more work/expenditure, and delay getting it on the market. There is so much that we left undone, and what we have finished may need to be re-done because it's particular to our tastes and not the general populace (I'm referring to the master bedroom and foyer--fantastic faux paint work by Russell, but apparently in colours that could be off-putting. Curious to see what Monica has to say.). Anyway. At least it's a long weekend, so we can hopefully get a TON done, and not get too distracted by the computer, TV, or multiple shopping excursions.
I will, of course, keep you posted.
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Humpty Dumpty Day
No great falls, for me, I hope. In fact, I'm hoping for a banner day. My mom is coming to visit/help out...which means not only will I not feel so overwhelmed, I will have someone to chat with and hang out with! She'll be here until next Tuesday, and I'm sure will be a huge help as I visit with Monica and try to figure out what to do and how to do it. Oooh! I will get her to help me with the screens, too!! That will be much easier with two ppl! :)
So that's that. I had a nice long chat with Russell last night--he's so wonderful to me, even when I'm having my whiny "poor-pitiful-me" moments. I honestly don't know how or why he puts up with it, but I'm certainly glad that he does! Somebody asked me yesterday if he was worth pulling up stakes here and moving to Phoenix for--somewhat jokingly, but still... The thought never even crossed my mind. He's my Russell. Of course I'm going with him. Just because he's my boyfriend and not my husband doesn't make our relationship any less serious or important. It's funny how society puts such odd definitions on things. I know a great many boyfriend/girlfriend partnerships that are much more healthy and committed than some marriages (this includes same-sex partnerships, but don't get me started!)...and yet they aren't taken nearly as seriously.
Anyway, lest I get off on that soapbox, I'll just switch gears and say that breaktime is over and I'm going to get busy doing something productive and work-related. Happy Wednesday.
So that's that. I had a nice long chat with Russell last night--he's so wonderful to me, even when I'm having my whiny "poor-pitiful-me" moments. I honestly don't know how or why he puts up with it, but I'm certainly glad that he does! Somebody asked me yesterday if he was worth pulling up stakes here and moving to Phoenix for--somewhat jokingly, but still... The thought never even crossed my mind. He's my Russell. Of course I'm going with him. Just because he's my boyfriend and not my husband doesn't make our relationship any less serious or important. It's funny how society puts such odd definitions on things. I know a great many boyfriend/girlfriend partnerships that are much more healthy and committed than some marriages (this includes same-sex partnerships, but don't get me started!)...and yet they aren't taken nearly as seriously.
Anyway, lest I get off on that soapbox, I'll just switch gears and say that breaktime is over and I'm going to get busy doing something productive and work-related. Happy Wednesday.
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
Crisis day
That's what it felt like, at any rate. I vented to everyone I came in contact with, and some that I didn't (Thankyou, Russell, for the most perfectly wonderful response to my panicked email! I do so love you!)... But late in the afternoon I spoke with a co-worker's best friend The Realtor, and I feel loads better. Monica Turner is her name, and we are going to meet here at the house on Thursday evening. To hell with trying to do it myself--I'm just not up to it! I want someone to hold my hand through the whole process--and do all the tough stuff. Initially I was just going to meet with her and see if I liked her, and talke to some other folks as well. However, I really enjoyed talking to her and felt very comfortable with her. And to seal the deal, she has a Wolf-hybrid at home, and actually held the phone out so I could hear it "talk". So I have a lot of work to do to get the house ready for her visit on Thursday night.
I'm in the midst of baking a bunch of goodies for "Snack Day" at work tomorrow, so I'm going to head off and wrap that up so I can get some house stuff done. Plus the dogs want to go outside...gggrrrrrr.
I'm in the midst of baking a bunch of goodies for "Snack Day" at work tomorrow, so I'm going to head off and wrap that up so I can get some house stuff done. Plus the dogs want to go outside...gggrrrrrr.
Hello?
Is there anyone out there?
Comments, please? Yes, I'm begging. Or nagging. I'd just like to know that this isn't an exercise in futility. It's not difficult or time-consuming. Just click the "Comments" button and type away. Just let me know that someone is reading this blather.
It's early; I'm grumpy--forgive me. I'll feel much better after the puppies have dragged me around in the 80% humidity this morning.
Comments, please? Yes, I'm begging. Or nagging. I'd just like to know that this isn't an exercise in futility. It's not difficult or time-consuming. Just click the "Comments" button and type away. Just let me know that someone is reading this blather.
It's early; I'm grumpy--forgive me. I'll feel much better after the puppies have dragged me around in the 80% humidity this morning.
Monday, May 24, 2004
I am....
a bit eccentric, I think. Or perhaps that's how I believe others see me. In reality, eccentric probably never comes into mind. Nuts, perhaps. Scatterbrained, surely. Maybe I just need to be around people with larger vocabularies!
This observation came to mind as I rode my shopping cart down the ramp of Target this afternoon. I've always done it, and I see no reason to stop now. It's fun! I generally find that I do things to please ME, and to hell with what anyone else thinks. Life's too short to worry about stuff like that.
So here are some things that I did this past weekend. I took apart the lawnmower for some cleaning and a tune-up. I replaced the spark plug and cleaned out the oil filter, which was badly fouled with dirt and grass. The machine runs like a dream now!! I was so proud of myself for working it out finally!! I also bought some screen, spline, and a tool for the bedroom windows...Haven't replaced anything yet (it was terribly windy Saturday, and yesterday I was just too busy or too tired.), but I got the stuff now. woohoo.
Yesterday morning I taped off the guest room for painting, and tried to find some of that off-white paint to use (still can't find it, hon!)... I think I'm going to go with the pale yellow of the living room, as we seem to have plenty of that left. Yesterday afternoon I had a mountain bike race here at NuDraper. Didn't fare quite as well at this one as at Zink. Got 6th out of 10--and one person DNF'd (Did Not Finish). It was terribly hot, and since I've had heat exhaustion once before, I sort of figured that when I started feeling the cold chills and cramps that it might be time to back off a bit. Then again, I'm woefully out of shape since I haven't ridden in about two weeks. I blame it on the furkids and my guilt at crating them.
So here are some kudos I would like to give out: To Michael Moore for taking the Pomme d'Or at Cannes--The highest prize at the most acclaimed film showing in the world. It's quite shocking, really, that such an anti-establishment film (Farenheit 9/11) would take such a prize--but a wonderful shock it is. More people will see it now, and maybe more people will learn to pay attention to news and world events and not take everything and everyone at face value. On the flip side of this, kudos to Dubya for being a mt. biker and taking a dive while on a 17 mile ride over the weekend. Don't like his politics, his vocabulary (or lack thereof), or his person, but I gotta give the man props for taking a ride and a good hard fall! The photos were pretty cute, too.
And on that note, I'm going to sign off and go prepare some goodies for Snack Day at work on Wednesday. laytah!
This observation came to mind as I rode my shopping cart down the ramp of Target this afternoon. I've always done it, and I see no reason to stop now. It's fun! I generally find that I do things to please ME, and to hell with what anyone else thinks. Life's too short to worry about stuff like that.
So here are some things that I did this past weekend. I took apart the lawnmower for some cleaning and a tune-up. I replaced the spark plug and cleaned out the oil filter, which was badly fouled with dirt and grass. The machine runs like a dream now!! I was so proud of myself for working it out finally!! I also bought some screen, spline, and a tool for the bedroom windows...Haven't replaced anything yet (it was terribly windy Saturday, and yesterday I was just too busy or too tired.), but I got the stuff now. woohoo.
Yesterday morning I taped off the guest room for painting, and tried to find some of that off-white paint to use (still can't find it, hon!)... I think I'm going to go with the pale yellow of the living room, as we seem to have plenty of that left. Yesterday afternoon I had a mountain bike race here at NuDraper. Didn't fare quite as well at this one as at Zink. Got 6th out of 10--and one person DNF'd (Did Not Finish). It was terribly hot, and since I've had heat exhaustion once before, I sort of figured that when I started feeling the cold chills and cramps that it might be time to back off a bit. Then again, I'm woefully out of shape since I haven't ridden in about two weeks. I blame it on the furkids and my guilt at crating them.
So here are some kudos I would like to give out: To Michael Moore for taking the Pomme d'Or at Cannes--The highest prize at the most acclaimed film showing in the world. It's quite shocking, really, that such an anti-establishment film (Farenheit 9/11) would take such a prize--but a wonderful shock it is. More people will see it now, and maybe more people will learn to pay attention to news and world events and not take everything and everyone at face value. On the flip side of this, kudos to Dubya for being a mt. biker and taking a dive while on a 17 mile ride over the weekend. Don't like his politics, his vocabulary (or lack thereof), or his person, but I gotta give the man props for taking a ride and a good hard fall! The photos were pretty cute, too.
And on that note, I'm going to sign off and go prepare some goodies for Snack Day at work on Wednesday. laytah!
Sunday, May 23, 2004
Friday, May 21, 2004
My Surrogate Family
I'm developing quite a little group of friends and protectors. Dehoc, TaSel, Imirik, Arry, Lilu, Ashanor, and Strydre have been great help to me, as well as good company on my quest for gold and fame. We've settled a nice little corner of Azeroth, but are starting to branch out more and more into surrounding territory. Last night I had some trouble with the Nagas and Fallenroot Satyrs in Blackfathom Deep, but with TaSel's help I managed to get 27 of the 30 corrupted brainstems I need to gather for the Druid Trainer's research project back in Stormwind. On my way back to the Inn at Auberdine I bumped into my buddy Dehoc, and we made a futile attempt to dance with a huge Tauren visitor named Enforcer. I don't think he understood our pleas to see his moves, because after a few minutes he just turned into a big bear. I went into cat form thinking perhaps that our animal forms could communicate, but alas... I went to bed disappointed.
Yeah. That's my life in the evenings these days. *sigh* I was good last night, though!! I swear it! I worked my heiny off until after 8pm (okay, so it was about 8:02, but it counts)... Took Delilah for a walk (Bucket had been in Daycare all day, so he was pooped), cleaned up in the kitchen, and packed two or three more boxes. Woohoo. I felt much better about playing after getting some stuff done...and considering I have about a week left before my planned on-the-market day, I need to keep on it.
This weekend I'm free but for the race on Sunday, and that may end up a bust as I did something bad to my knee last night as I attempted to jog w/ Delilah. It's pretty sore today; I've been taking the elevator at work instead of my normal stairs. *gasp* It must be bad,eh? Anyway, a gimp knee won't keep me from continuing my quest for a clean, sellable house, although it will justify taking breaks by sitting at the computer, don't you think?
Gotta run some folks to the airport. ciao.
Yeah. That's my life in the evenings these days. *sigh* I was good last night, though!! I swear it! I worked my heiny off until after 8pm (okay, so it was about 8:02, but it counts)... Took Delilah for a walk (Bucket had been in Daycare all day, so he was pooped), cleaned up in the kitchen, and packed two or three more boxes. Woohoo. I felt much better about playing after getting some stuff done...and considering I have about a week left before my planned on-the-market day, I need to keep on it.
This weekend I'm free but for the race on Sunday, and that may end up a bust as I did something bad to my knee last night as I attempted to jog w/ Delilah. It's pretty sore today; I've been taking the elevator at work instead of my normal stairs. *gasp* It must be bad,eh? Anyway, a gimp knee won't keep me from continuing my quest for a clean, sellable house, although it will justify taking breaks by sitting at the computer, don't you think?
Gotta run some folks to the airport. ciao.
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
HumpDay
It seems like Thursday, but then again, I'm sort of surprised that it's already Wednesday. How does that work?
Yesterday proved rather exciting--I ended up taking Delilah to the vet's in the afternoon for a quick checkup after seeing some nasty poo (with bits of blood). She's fine, so they say...probably just an irritated colon caused by, what else? Wood chips and pinecones. So I will be a better enforcer and not allow these things to get in her tummy in the first place. I picked up all the pinecones I could find in the yard, and this evening I think I'll go after the wood chips. I shudder to think what she'll find to chew on once I take those away, but I'm sure I won't have long to wonder.
I picked Delilah up from the vets around 5:45 (worked late in order to make up for the time I took off to take her in), went home and ate like the plate was on fire, and took off to pick up Bucket from daycare. He's always so pooped that he can't even jump up into the truck! Got Bucket home, crated him up and took Delilah to the dog park. She did really well until two other dogs got in a fight, and while their ridiculously helpless owners looked on in dismay, she jumped into the fray. She wasn't really fighting--she was just trying to "dominate" one of the dogs. Of course I charged right in and pulled her off--all the while the other owners are ineffectually shouting "Buddy, NO! Bad dog! Stop that!" as though it would really do any good. This kind of thing absolutely infuriates me!! grrrr. We'd been there for about a half an hour and had made the rounds a couple of times, so I took her out to the park across the street and walked her on her leash until she calmed a bit. When we got home (at 8:30!!!), I had two pooped puppies. They crashed all evening long!
I packed one box. And played. Shannon, I think my reward system is skewed! I figure I deserve to play for making through a day of work, but then I can't stop once I've started... :) If I hadn't gotten home so late I really think I'd have gotten something done. I really do. Tonight will test that theory, for as far as I know I'm headed right home after work!
Wow, I can ramble.
Yesterday proved rather exciting--I ended up taking Delilah to the vet's in the afternoon for a quick checkup after seeing some nasty poo (with bits of blood). She's fine, so they say...probably just an irritated colon caused by, what else? Wood chips and pinecones. So I will be a better enforcer and not allow these things to get in her tummy in the first place. I picked up all the pinecones I could find in the yard, and this evening I think I'll go after the wood chips. I shudder to think what she'll find to chew on once I take those away, but I'm sure I won't have long to wonder.
I picked Delilah up from the vets around 5:45 (worked late in order to make up for the time I took off to take her in), went home and ate like the plate was on fire, and took off to pick up Bucket from daycare. He's always so pooped that he can't even jump up into the truck! Got Bucket home, crated him up and took Delilah to the dog park. She did really well until two other dogs got in a fight, and while their ridiculously helpless owners looked on in dismay, she jumped into the fray. She wasn't really fighting--she was just trying to "dominate" one of the dogs. Of course I charged right in and pulled her off--all the while the other owners are ineffectually shouting "Buddy, NO! Bad dog! Stop that!" as though it would really do any good. This kind of thing absolutely infuriates me!! grrrr. We'd been there for about a half an hour and had made the rounds a couple of times, so I took her out to the park across the street and walked her on her leash until she calmed a bit. When we got home (at 8:30!!!), I had two pooped puppies. They crashed all evening long!
I packed one box. And played. Shannon, I think my reward system is skewed! I figure I deserve to play for making through a day of work, but then I can't stop once I've started... :) If I hadn't gotten home so late I really think I'd have gotten something done. I really do. Tonight will test that theory, for as far as I know I'm headed right home after work!
Wow, I can ramble.
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Fishsticks
Sometimes it just feels like I'm floating along, watching my life as a movie. Then I am jolted "awake" somehow and realise that this is IT. This life is my life and I have pretty complete control over every aspect of it. I think that scares the bejeesus out of me and that's why I slip into film-mode. But those moments of lucidity are useful in motivating me, if only for short bits of time. Maybe it's something like the Matrix (a film series generally reviled by me, although the concept was brilliant).
I woke up early and took the muttleys out for a walk in the supremely humid Oklahoma morning. For the first time I found myself looking forward to the "dry heat" of Phoenix. I just looked it up online, and the current humidity here is 84%. In Phoenix it's 24%. Of course this will wreak havoc on my beauty regimen, but at least I won't feel sticky just walking out the door. I'm all for saunas, but on a strictly voluntary basis.
Bucket went to daycare this morning, and before I even got out the door had discovered that he can leap over a 3 foot baby gate. Good information to know. He should be exhausted by pick-up time, and I can crate him up and take Miss D to the dog park. Then hopefully they will both mellow out tonight so I can get some (more!) packing done. I may tape off the guest room for painting, too. Ah the best laid plans. The reality is that I will go online--just to check email--and end up playing WoW for the next four hours.
More people at work are discovering that I'm leaving, and at first it really bothered me. It didn't make sense at first that I would be so defensive about it, but then I realised that as more people asked about it and the more I talked about it, the more real it became. I had tried to stay in my little cocoon of denial, but my! how the rumours spread... Suddenly people I hardly know are coming up and expressing regret at my departure (a nice ego boost, to be sure!)! The very odd thing is that the more I talk about it, the more excited I get. I've started looking forward to being in a new place and getting a new job and meeting new people and riding new trails and and and and....
It's a trend, the "And" thing. It's excitement, and overload, and it's all good. It makes my brain work more than usual, and it makes me live more. It's like being 8 years old again, and having everything seem new and shiny. I like that.
I woke up early and took the muttleys out for a walk in the supremely humid Oklahoma morning. For the first time I found myself looking forward to the "dry heat" of Phoenix. I just looked it up online, and the current humidity here is 84%. In Phoenix it's 24%. Of course this will wreak havoc on my beauty regimen, but at least I won't feel sticky just walking out the door. I'm all for saunas, but on a strictly voluntary basis.
Bucket went to daycare this morning, and before I even got out the door had discovered that he can leap over a 3 foot baby gate. Good information to know. He should be exhausted by pick-up time, and I can crate him up and take Miss D to the dog park. Then hopefully they will both mellow out tonight so I can get some (more!) packing done. I may tape off the guest room for painting, too. Ah the best laid plans. The reality is that I will go online--just to check email--and end up playing WoW for the next four hours.
More people at work are discovering that I'm leaving, and at first it really bothered me. It didn't make sense at first that I would be so defensive about it, but then I realised that as more people asked about it and the more I talked about it, the more real it became. I had tried to stay in my little cocoon of denial, but my! how the rumours spread... Suddenly people I hardly know are coming up and expressing regret at my departure (a nice ego boost, to be sure!)! The very odd thing is that the more I talk about it, the more excited I get. I've started looking forward to being in a new place and getting a new job and meeting new people and riding new trails and and and and....
It's a trend, the "And" thing. It's excitement, and overload, and it's all good. It makes my brain work more than usual, and it makes me live more. It's like being 8 years old again, and having everything seem new and shiny. I like that.
Monday, May 17, 2004
The Daily Oklahoman
No, not the newspaper--ME!
So far so good, but now I've jinxed it. It's another sporadically slow day here at the workspace, so I thought I'd take a break and say hello to all the little people. lol
Mondays always come too soon, and they come with such a bad attitude. They're not soft and friendly, or even sympathetic. They just burst on the scene and demand your full attention, ready or not. Bob Geldof, I salute you!
I'm having a glum day. Feeling a bit overloaded by everything right now. Too many dogs, too little time. That's the big thing. I really wish Delilah could go to day-care--then those evenings I wouldn't feel bad for going for a ride or shutting them both up while I paint or work in the garage. As it is, Bucket will be nice and pooped, but Delilah will be raring to go. I don't know if an hour at the dog park will do it for her (I don't know if I can last for an hour at the dog park...pretty boring without Russell there to chat with). I've been trying to work with her so we can go for a pleasant sort of walk, but she is proving to be very difficult, which just frustrates me so much and then I start to be unreasonable, which makes her more difficult because she doesn't know what I'm asking her to do... It's a horrible cycle! Anyway, my primary gripe at this point is not knowing what to do to entertain and educate these mutters--Delilah in particular. Bucket walks nice, so I don't mind walking/working with him. He can go to doggie day care to get social time/worn out. Delilah? I just am not sure what to do with her to make her happy and keep me sane and keep the other dogs safe. *sigh*
Onto other subjects. I may have had a minor revelation over lunch, and that was that maybe I should wait until I get to Phoenix to buy a new bike. Many shops offer lifetime tuneups for as long as you own your bike, and if I get one here, I'm giving that up. I think I'm going to do some checking around online and see if the shops there have a similar deal. It's only another 2 months. I've been on my current bike for about 14 years, so I think I can wait. Although I do have some rocky races coming up and the suspension would be nice...
I've very nearly gotten the 'junk room' cleaned out, and Kiki's cage is well on the way to being poop-free. I think I'm going to move him to the garage for a while so I can get the ferret-funk out of that room. Lots to do, lots to do. Again, the feelings of overwhelmedness rear up.
I think I'm going to go get some chocolate. That will help. That, and a nap. And some puppy love. I can't wait to get to Phoenix and have this all behind me and be with Russell again and and and and... *sigh*
So far so good, but now I've jinxed it. It's another sporadically slow day here at the workspace, so I thought I'd take a break and say hello to all the little people. lol
Mondays always come too soon, and they come with such a bad attitude. They're not soft and friendly, or even sympathetic. They just burst on the scene and demand your full attention, ready or not. Bob Geldof, I salute you!
I'm having a glum day. Feeling a bit overloaded by everything right now. Too many dogs, too little time. That's the big thing. I really wish Delilah could go to day-care--then those evenings I wouldn't feel bad for going for a ride or shutting them both up while I paint or work in the garage. As it is, Bucket will be nice and pooped, but Delilah will be raring to go. I don't know if an hour at the dog park will do it for her (I don't know if I can last for an hour at the dog park...pretty boring without Russell there to chat with). I've been trying to work with her so we can go for a pleasant sort of walk, but she is proving to be very difficult, which just frustrates me so much and then I start to be unreasonable, which makes her more difficult because she doesn't know what I'm asking her to do... It's a horrible cycle! Anyway, my primary gripe at this point is not knowing what to do to entertain and educate these mutters--Delilah in particular. Bucket walks nice, so I don't mind walking/working with him. He can go to doggie day care to get social time/worn out. Delilah? I just am not sure what to do with her to make her happy and keep me sane and keep the other dogs safe. *sigh*
Onto other subjects. I may have had a minor revelation over lunch, and that was that maybe I should wait until I get to Phoenix to buy a new bike. Many shops offer lifetime tuneups for as long as you own your bike, and if I get one here, I'm giving that up. I think I'm going to do some checking around online and see if the shops there have a similar deal. It's only another 2 months. I've been on my current bike for about 14 years, so I think I can wait. Although I do have some rocky races coming up and the suspension would be nice...
I've very nearly gotten the 'junk room' cleaned out, and Kiki's cage is well on the way to being poop-free. I think I'm going to move him to the garage for a while so I can get the ferret-funk out of that room. Lots to do, lots to do. Again, the feelings of overwhelmedness rear up.
I think I'm going to go get some chocolate. That will help. That, and a nap. And some puppy love. I can't wait to get to Phoenix and have this all behind me and be with Russell again and and and and... *sigh*
Sunday, May 16, 2004
Needy hounds
The dogs are bored. I dreamed last night that the builders had gotten all the way up to our back fence (we are currently backed up to a huge empty field) and that Delilah was having a ball barking her little heart out, and that Bucket had fallen into a hole and gone to sleep. We did go for a walk last night just before bed, but I think we need to go again. Bucket is whining and Delilah is just wandering around looking sullen.
I'm finishing up my morning smoothie, and when that is done we'll go. It will be a good thing for me to get some blood pumping, too. I did sleep in a bit this morning (after being awoken at 5am by Bucket, who REALLY had to potty), so I'm getting a late jump on things. I did work in the garage some yesterday, but by no means am I done with that task. I got distracted with some stuff inside... I poing too much, as Russell will surely agree. :)
I did go out yesterday and look at bikes. I'm getting a pretty hard sell on a Giant Rainier, but a racing buddy of mine says "steer clear"...he wouldn't go into details. The other bike that I looked at and liked was a Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo. Long name, nice bike. I can't decide. Jeez, it takes me several days to decide on a pair of shoes, much less an $800 bike! So if any of you out there can vouch for either bike, or give me some insights, I'd be much appreciative. I've got some feelers out here, but I need to do it soon, as I've got a race in a week!!
Take care and happy trails to you...
I'm finishing up my morning smoothie, and when that is done we'll go. It will be a good thing for me to get some blood pumping, too. I did sleep in a bit this morning (after being awoken at 5am by Bucket, who REALLY had to potty), so I'm getting a late jump on things. I did work in the garage some yesterday, but by no means am I done with that task. I got distracted with some stuff inside... I poing too much, as Russell will surely agree. :)
I did go out yesterday and look at bikes. I'm getting a pretty hard sell on a Giant Rainier, but a racing buddy of mine says "steer clear"...he wouldn't go into details. The other bike that I looked at and liked was a Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo. Long name, nice bike. I can't decide. Jeez, it takes me several days to decide on a pair of shoes, much less an $800 bike! So if any of you out there can vouch for either bike, or give me some insights, I'd be much appreciative. I've got some feelers out here, but I need to do it soon, as I've got a race in a week!!
Take care and happy trails to you...
Saturday, May 15, 2004
A Plan?
No such thing for the weekend. My mom was going to come visit and keep me focused on the packing/cleaning thing, but she was called away to her mom's, so now it looks like maybe Memorial Day weekend...
I'm on my own, and I already frittered away yesterday evening on the stupid game. Russell actually had to call me and tell me to log off (he wanted to play!)!! Pathetic...but I'm so close to levelling... *sigh*
This morning, however, I was up at 7am, and have not played! I've been doing what I'm supposed to do, and have managed to vacuum, pack a couple boxes, play with the pups, and sort through some stuff. I need to start heading over to the post office to mail Russell his mail and a couple little things, and then to the recycling center to rid the house of a multitude of extranneous paper and cardboard. It's a shame that our curbside only takes newspaper, glass, and plastic--but then again at least they take that.
Apres-ca? I've no idea what I'm going to do. I think I'm going to focus on getting the garage-sale leftovers packed up so I can a)get rid of it all and b)have more space to stack boxes in the garage. I need to do some painting. I need to do some cleaning. I need to take the pups for a walk. I need to do some yardwork. Let me tell you--the American Dream can sometimes be a nightmare! lol
Anyway. Not much inspired writing here today. Perhaps later in the weekend I'll feel a bit more awake and lucid about things. Have a good one. :)
I'm on my own, and I already frittered away yesterday evening on the stupid game. Russell actually had to call me and tell me to log off (he wanted to play!)!! Pathetic...but I'm so close to levelling... *sigh*
This morning, however, I was up at 7am, and have not played! I've been doing what I'm supposed to do, and have managed to vacuum, pack a couple boxes, play with the pups, and sort through some stuff. I need to start heading over to the post office to mail Russell his mail and a couple little things, and then to the recycling center to rid the house of a multitude of extranneous paper and cardboard. It's a shame that our curbside only takes newspaper, glass, and plastic--but then again at least they take that.
Apres-ca? I've no idea what I'm going to do. I think I'm going to focus on getting the garage-sale leftovers packed up so I can a)get rid of it all and b)have more space to stack boxes in the garage. I need to do some painting. I need to do some cleaning. I need to take the pups for a walk. I need to do some yardwork. Let me tell you--the American Dream can sometimes be a nightmare! lol
Anyway. Not much inspired writing here today. Perhaps later in the weekend I'll feel a bit more awake and lucid about things. Have a good one. :)
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Letting Go
Today I became a characature of every silly mom on her child's first day of school. I didn't cry, but damned if I didn't cling and fuss and list every possible contact number the folks at doggie day care might need.
Yes, Bucket went to day care today. I'm looking forward to an exhausted and happy pup by the end of the day. Delilah didn't go for two reasons...One, she hasn't been in for her personality evaluation yet and two, I don't know if I can get both of them into the cab of my truck (safely) at the same time!
I'm a little concerned about taking Delilah in--she is a very dominant and willful little girl, and there is a dog or two there who might challenge her. I'm not so sure she won't back down. We'll see. I think I will try to take her by tomorrow evening after work. At any rate, I can take her to the dog park tonight and not feel guilty about leaving Bucket at home. She can run around and play in the water and wear herself out, and then I'll have two tired and happy pups. Whoohoo. They will be so much happier to get to get that play time--and the socialisation will be great.
In other news...oh, well, I guess there is no other news really. I smashed the bejeezus out of my finger last night (slammed in the door), but you don't really want to hear about that. This has been the longest week in the history of work, but you probably already know about that. And while I'm sympathetic, I'm pretty darned sick of hearing about Nick Berg. His poor family! Having to relive that time and time again as the media continuously recounts the story. Enough already.
And while we're on the topic of over-done news stories, I would like to say for the record that the entire Abu Grahib fiasco demonstrates to a PERFECT T my beef with the military... It trains a bunch of young hormone driven kids into mindless machines of war. So many of the people involved with the perpetration of these horrible mistreatments have used the excuse "I was only doing what I was told". It's very sad and extremely scary to me that there are people representing our country that are so ignorant--or brainwashed--as to think that behaviour like that is acceptable by any stretch of the imagination merely if someone tells them to do it.
Anyway. Didn't mean to jump up on that soapbox. Here, you can have it back...
Yes, Bucket went to day care today. I'm looking forward to an exhausted and happy pup by the end of the day. Delilah didn't go for two reasons...One, she hasn't been in for her personality evaluation yet and two, I don't know if I can get both of them into the cab of my truck (safely) at the same time!
I'm a little concerned about taking Delilah in--she is a very dominant and willful little girl, and there is a dog or two there who might challenge her. I'm not so sure she won't back down. We'll see. I think I will try to take her by tomorrow evening after work. At any rate, I can take her to the dog park tonight and not feel guilty about leaving Bucket at home. She can run around and play in the water and wear herself out, and then I'll have two tired and happy pups. Whoohoo. They will be so much happier to get to get that play time--and the socialisation will be great.
In other news...oh, well, I guess there is no other news really. I smashed the bejeezus out of my finger last night (slammed in the door), but you don't really want to hear about that. This has been the longest week in the history of work, but you probably already know about that. And while I'm sympathetic, I'm pretty darned sick of hearing about Nick Berg. His poor family! Having to relive that time and time again as the media continuously recounts the story. Enough already.
And while we're on the topic of over-done news stories, I would like to say for the record that the entire Abu Grahib fiasco demonstrates to a PERFECT T my beef with the military... It trains a bunch of young hormone driven kids into mindless machines of war. So many of the people involved with the perpetration of these horrible mistreatments have used the excuse "I was only doing what I was told". It's very sad and extremely scary to me that there are people representing our country that are so ignorant--or brainwashed--as to think that behaviour like that is acceptable by any stretch of the imagination merely if someone tells them to do it.
Anyway. Didn't mean to jump up on that soapbox. Here, you can have it back...
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
"GOAAAALLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!"
That's what you would have heard if you'd been at my soccer match last night. And if there had been Italian or South American commentators there.
Yes, in our final game of the season, I scored! I also scored once earlier in the season, but it was more of a rebound off my leg. Oh, and it was for the other team, so we don't talk about that one much. This one was a bona-fide, shot-off-a-pass, from the top of the box Goal. A two-pointer, even. Whoohoo. I also had a couple of rather spectacular take downs earlier in the game (one resulting in me tumbling endo style over a guy's leg, and another involving me attempting to make a goal with a ball that was evidently securely in the goalie's mitts) but no points were given. Video would have been nice though.
I'm home on my lunch break now--typing this from here after a nasty virus scare on my work computer this morning. I was just looking up song lyrics, and suddenly pop-ups galore and Norton Anti-Virus blinking at me going "You Are Screwed. Please Notify the Proper Authorities." So I'm a little leary of internet access at work right now. Too close to quitting to lose my job now!
So I'm going to go eat some lunch...just thought I would share the Goal-Love with you. Ciao!
Yes, in our final game of the season, I scored! I also scored once earlier in the season, but it was more of a rebound off my leg. Oh, and it was for the other team, so we don't talk about that one much. This one was a bona-fide, shot-off-a-pass, from the top of the box Goal. A two-pointer, even. Whoohoo. I also had a couple of rather spectacular take downs earlier in the game (one resulting in me tumbling endo style over a guy's leg, and another involving me attempting to make a goal with a ball that was evidently securely in the goalie's mitts) but no points were given. Video would have been nice though.
I'm home on my lunch break now--typing this from here after a nasty virus scare on my work computer this morning. I was just looking up song lyrics, and suddenly pop-ups galore and Norton Anti-Virus blinking at me going "You Are Screwed. Please Notify the Proper Authorities." So I'm a little leary of internet access at work right now. Too close to quitting to lose my job now!
So I'm going to go eat some lunch...just thought I would share the Goal-Love with you. Ciao!
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
My Clever Readers
If you can tell me why I named this blog "Party Ducks", I will send you a fabulous package of prizes. I warn you, it's obscure. But then, if you know me, you already knew that.
So this is the new blog, due to the fact that Blogger updated and because of some archiving problems with the other blog, I could no longer publish at all. Hmmm. Still awaiting some assistance from Blogger with that, but for now, I wanted to get the word out. And the word is: ADDICTION
I have a problem, and I'm willing to admit it. I'm addicted to WoW. It's a brilliant game--even in Beta form. It is taking time from cleaning and packing. It's giving me a crick in my neck. I have vowed to limit myself this evening, so we'll see how my willpower holds up. Russell has suggested changing his login info so I CAN'T play, but that could get ugly, so I hope it doesn't come to that.
Bucket went to the doggie daycare center yesterday for his evaluation, and it went swimmingly. He was a bit dodgy at first, but came into his own quickly enough. I think he'll be fine. I was going to take him in today, but I just couldn't get up early enough... I'd like Delilah to be able to go as well, but she's much more domineering than he is; if someone challenged her, I'm not so sure she'd back down. She might just take them up on it, and that--to reference the previous paragraph--could get ugly.
So tonight I have a soccer match--last one of the season--and tomorrow evening I'm supposed to go ride at NuDraper. I've got a race there in a week and a half, so I really need to get out there and ride. Just need more hours in the day. Or fewer scruples. I've got about a million sick leave hours; I should just call in! But I can't. I think in my entire life I've called in sick maybe 3 times. 5 tops. Sucks to be so healthy and honest sometimes. lol Thursday is open, and I think Friday my mom is coming to visit! Whoohoo! Company--and someone to help keep me focused on the tasks at hand! :)
I'm going to publish this and hope for the best. You may or may not have noticed that Comments are active. Comment away...no excuses. At least say hi and let me know you're out there reading! My raisin deeter.
So this is the new blog, due to the fact that Blogger updated and because of some archiving problems with the other blog, I could no longer publish at all. Hmmm. Still awaiting some assistance from Blogger with that, but for now, I wanted to get the word out. And the word is: ADDICTION
I have a problem, and I'm willing to admit it. I'm addicted to WoW. It's a brilliant game--even in Beta form. It is taking time from cleaning and packing. It's giving me a crick in my neck. I have vowed to limit myself this evening, so we'll see how my willpower holds up. Russell has suggested changing his login info so I CAN'T play, but that could get ugly, so I hope it doesn't come to that.
Bucket went to the doggie daycare center yesterday for his evaluation, and it went swimmingly. He was a bit dodgy at first, but came into his own quickly enough. I think he'll be fine. I was going to take him in today, but I just couldn't get up early enough... I'd like Delilah to be able to go as well, but she's much more domineering than he is; if someone challenged her, I'm not so sure she'd back down. She might just take them up on it, and that--to reference the previous paragraph--could get ugly.
So tonight I have a soccer match--last one of the season--and tomorrow evening I'm supposed to go ride at NuDraper. I've got a race there in a week and a half, so I really need to get out there and ride. Just need more hours in the day. Or fewer scruples. I've got about a million sick leave hours; I should just call in! But I can't. I think in my entire life I've called in sick maybe 3 times. 5 tops. Sucks to be so healthy and honest sometimes. lol Thursday is open, and I think Friday my mom is coming to visit! Whoohoo! Company--and someone to help keep me focused on the tasks at hand! :)
I'm going to publish this and hope for the best. You may or may not have noticed that Comments are active. Comment away...no excuses. At least say hi and let me know you're out there reading! My raisin deeter.
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