Did ya catch the concert at the Lincoln Memorial yesterday? HBO broadcast it free for nonsubscribers. Pretty moving, I thought. All types of people, all shoulder to shoulder in the crowd enjoying all types of music. Sheryl Crow playing reggae didn't work too well, but the spirit was there! I've read reports that the mood was great, even with the cold and the major traffic situations. Let's hope the spirit keeps up in the years to come.
Even if you're a staunch Republican, you'd have to admit that the message and the hope is a good thing. We've got to stop our government from becoming such an egotistical institution and to start working for someone other than themselves.
Last night there was a special Biography on the History Channel about Martin Luther King, Jr. Even though I grew up in his time, and I remember all the turmoil, this opened my eyes to a lot of things. King has studied Ghandi and was attempting to apply his ideals. I gotta read more about Ghandi. I like the idea of non-violent social change.
Medical Update
The Octogenarians are having a bad day today. Mom is in a lot of pain, she's pretty much sticking to the bed. Daddy isn't feeling too well, he's cold and his stomach hurts. I've managed to do 3 loads of laundry, the dishes and make lunch for everyone. I love being a House Wife, er, Domestic Engineer. Mom has to go in Wednesday for a biopsy on her spine. She's convinced she's got cancer and is going to die, and she's convinced my father the same thing. She's always been negative and stubborn, but both are really making themselves apparent now. Daddy has to go in next Wednesday for a difibulator on his pacemaker. They will keep him overnight. So the next few months will be interesting.
Job Update
Yes, I got a job! This time it took me almost 4 weeks, as opposed to the 6 months in Atlanta. Hhuummm. I will be working on the same contract as before at the Library of Congress, just a different capacity. The salary is very generous, the benefits look pretty good (3 weeks vacation!) and the opportunity sounds great. It's a small woman-owned company with several government contracts and the opportunity to work on all of them. I will be an employee of my company, a contractor with the LOC. I'm excited! I start next Monday. What a relief.
Working Out
Friday evening, I went to the gym for a decent work out, at least a workout. I did the treadmill and some weights. I felt so good afterward the workout. Saturday morning, I didn't feel too stiff, so I went back and did more weights. Sunday I was lucky to move! It was a good pain, and I've been sleeping like a baby. I'm heading up there again as soon as I'm done here.
Oh yeah, the Trees. I've got two companies going out to give me a estimate today. And my transmission came in, I'll have that done tomorrow. See, things will work out!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Oh For The Days of Boredom
One thing I've learned, Shit just keeps on happening. I remember, not too long ago, how bored I was and stuck in a rut. Oh, for a quiet rut.
Here's what I'm dealing with, not necessarily in any order:
1. I still don't have a job. I interviewed yesterday for a position with another company on the same project I was working on at the LOC before, just different. I'd love to go back, but the project had some major issues, and I'm not sure I want to deal with them... But then, a paycheck is a good thing.
2. Atlanta has had a lot of rain recently (after a 5 year drought) and then high winds. I heard this week that I've had several trees fall on my house in Atlanta. I'll say more after I talk with the insurance company.
Looks like a trek to the ATL may be in order. (see #3) God knows how much this will cost me.
3. The transmission in my car needs to be replaced. I drive a 2002 Honda Accord SE, and it seems that 2002 Honda's have had problems with their transmissions. Honda recalled the 2001 transmission (I think) and the transmission on the 2002 Accord 6 cylinder, but not on the regular Accord. So they will pay $1 under 1/2 of the cost to replace it. I've only got 85K miles on it. But because it was 'discovered' in November, the offer to replace it is only good until January 31. That's $1500 out of pocket.
4. I've had to reduce the price of the house by $10K. It's still for sale and mortgage is due in February.
5. I can't seem to get on any schedule for working out. I've gone to the gym, I used to bike ride, but at 22 degrees, it's a bit cold for that. The county has some recreation centers to work out at, for $8 a visit (I remember when it was free for county residents), but getting there is a problem.
And I'm gaining weight.
6. My Mom has been having problems walking these past few months, and she finally got an MRI last week. They discovered something and she had to go in for a CAT scan yesterday, and now she has to go in for a biopsy. She's already given up and decided she's got spinal cancer. My Dad has also given up, he can't do anything without her. He's got to go in today for a check up on his pacemaker and possibly more surgery. They BOTH are going to the doctor tomorrow and I want to make sure we all get MAJOR doses of Prozac. I understand that people probably get to the point where you are just tired of living, but I'm not ready to make that decision. I'm not ready to stop living, but I'm stuck here with people who are. (All this just happened this morning. What fun)
I remember just a few short months ago, all I had to worry about was playing with the kitties and the computer and getting out to socialize.
Something should crack in a few days, we'll see.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Another Monday
Sorry I've been absent for a few days, my older sister and I painted the Parents living room, dining room and hallway and ceilings in all rooms. It took us 4 days, and it's still not complete. All the painting is done, the trim is complete, I just have to put the curtains up and clean up all the junk. Hah!
Thing I learned:
Popcorn ceilings take 2x the amount of paint you think you need.
Popcorn ceilings take a LONG time to paint.
Never paint another popcorn ceiling.
The biggest problem was/is the clutter. There is so much junk in this house, it's like a Rubics cube. You move one piece of furniture, you have to move a few others to make room to move the first piece. To clear space beside a wall is a hurculean task, but we did it. We got paint everywhere, on everything, but the room looks like a new space. We think the last time it had been painted was at least 15 or more years ago. It's now a lovely shade of blueish green, and the ceiling is white, as is the trim. We bought all new faceplates and switch plates, and we're looking at new rugs, and some new decor on the mantel. We rearranged the furniture in the dining room so they have a clear path to walk thru, so the next project is rearranging the living room. I've got to fix up some frames for new pictures, refresh mirrors, get rid of chairs and clocks.
Understanding
I think that as people get older, they want to hang on to all their 'stuff', they tend to relate longevity to stuff. Mom's got all sorts of stuff, and everything has a story. There's a nasty old 'grandfather' clock that her brother got from one of his patients (he was a dentist) as a kit. He put it together and gave it to her. She's tried to pawn it off to all of us, but now she won't get rid of it. Her brother gave it to her. She's got about 1/2 dozen ink wells she got from her aunt, a butter churn, an iron stand that a shoemaker used, 4 spitoons of all sizes, the largest filled with pinecones, a small decorative broom that had decorations on it that friends of theirs gave them. All the decorations have fallen off, but she still has the broom.
She also goes thru the trash. Nothing gets thrown away, she holds on to the trash to 'go thru it'. I tried to throw away some old gym socks, but she won't let me, she has to go thru them to see what's still good. Arrgghhh!
Job Hunt
I had 2 interviews last week, one with a company, one with a recruiter. Haven't heard from the face-to-face, which bothers me, but I'm calling today. I'm also expecting a call from a recruiter with a job at the Library of Congress (sound familar?) I got a call from a company as my coworker used me as a reference, and this company is looking for other BA's, so I'll send him my resume. Networking, the Thing to Do...
Gotta hang the curtains and turn off Rachel Ray. How annoying.
Thing I learned:
Popcorn ceilings take 2x the amount of paint you think you need.
Popcorn ceilings take a LONG time to paint.
Never paint another popcorn ceiling.
The biggest problem was/is the clutter. There is so much junk in this house, it's like a Rubics cube. You move one piece of furniture, you have to move a few others to make room to move the first piece. To clear space beside a wall is a hurculean task, but we did it. We got paint everywhere, on everything, but the room looks like a new space. We think the last time it had been painted was at least 15 or more years ago. It's now a lovely shade of blueish green, and the ceiling is white, as is the trim. We bought all new faceplates and switch plates, and we're looking at new rugs, and some new decor on the mantel. We rearranged the furniture in the dining room so they have a clear path to walk thru, so the next project is rearranging the living room. I've got to fix up some frames for new pictures, refresh mirrors, get rid of chairs and clocks.
Understanding
I think that as people get older, they want to hang on to all their 'stuff', they tend to relate longevity to stuff. Mom's got all sorts of stuff, and everything has a story. There's a nasty old 'grandfather' clock that her brother got from one of his patients (he was a dentist) as a kit. He put it together and gave it to her. She's tried to pawn it off to all of us, but now she won't get rid of it. Her brother gave it to her. She's got about 1/2 dozen ink wells she got from her aunt, a butter churn, an iron stand that a shoemaker used, 4 spitoons of all sizes, the largest filled with pinecones, a small decorative broom that had decorations on it that friends of theirs gave them. All the decorations have fallen off, but she still has the broom.
She also goes thru the trash. Nothing gets thrown away, she holds on to the trash to 'go thru it'. I tried to throw away some old gym socks, but she won't let me, she has to go thru them to see what's still good. Arrgghhh!
Job Hunt
I had 2 interviews last week, one with a company, one with a recruiter. Haven't heard from the face-to-face, which bothers me, but I'm calling today. I'm also expecting a call from a recruiter with a job at the Library of Congress (sound familar?) I got a call from a company as my coworker used me as a reference, and this company is looking for other BA's, so I'll send him my resume. Networking, the Thing to Do...
Gotta hang the curtains and turn off Rachel Ray. How annoying.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
WOW, 2 Days in a Row!
Whoda thunk it???
Job Hunt
I had an interview today that went pretty well. The recruiter told me that even he thought it was just a formality, that I'm pretty much getting the job. Still, let's not count our chickens, just yet anyway.
Let me wax eloquently about this current Job Hunt. If you read my other blog, you pretty much lived thru the 4 (yes, 4) years I was looking for a 'real' job, how frustrating and how demeaning. It's not any better, there are just more jobs and more humiliations to go thru now. Let me explain:
I've been working with some very young recruiters (i.e. first job out of college) and all their business savvy. (Sarcasm never comes across well when typing) Here is but part of the letter I received confirming the interview today:
'Your interview with ??? is confirmed for tomorrow, January 6th @ 11:00AM. Please meet my account manager, RW, no later than 10:45AM in the lobby of the building. In case of an emergency, you can call him on his cell phone(deleted number) . He will introduce you to the managers and make sure you're in the right place
Please remember to dress professionally, bring something to write with and a few copies of your resume (along with your writing samples), bring your ID to check in with security, and be on time. The address for your interview is xxx. Make sure to research the company before you interview, and have pertinent questions ready (be over prepared). '
OK, so maybe some geeks need to be reminded to dress up, but I think I'm a bit more experienced than that. I guess it could have been worse, they could have reminded me to wear matching socks.
What I should have been told is a more specific address (the interview was at Crystal City and for those of you not familiar with Crystal City, it is several blocks of office buildings adjoined by a walkway filled with shops and restaurants on the main level. There is no lobby.) I should have been told the names and titles of the people interviewing me, something about what these folks are looking for in that position, and more information about the contract. But that would be more than they know.
Another phenomenon I've experienced lately is a request from the recruiter for a cover letter. Yes, a cover letter. I haven't written a cover letter in YEARS! When one applies online, one just presses the 'apply' button. Most of these requests seem to come from a specific ethnic sample of the recruiter population. (God will get me for that!)
But I guess I'm at their mercy and I need to be more understanding. I, too, was once a bright-eyed Entry Level employee.
Is the Cup 1/2 Empty or 1/2 full?
I wanted to spout off with some controversial things to say, but I'll do that later. Today I want to share with you my 'journey' to and from the interview, the Catch-22 that is MY Life.
I decided to go to another subway stop, one that is closer to where I needed to go (as opposed to the one I would drive to to go to the LOC). When I had commuted before, Back In The Day before I left town, this station didn't even exist. I looked up online to get directions and left early enough to avoid complications. Thank goodness I thought enough in advance. It was cold and rainy and drizzly today, with Winter Storm Warnings for this afternoon (yes, a run on the stores for milk and bread!). I realized before I got to the Metro I'd forgotten my thumb drive with my resume on it (OK, I apologize to giving the kids crap for writing that in the confirmation letter, I forgot anyway), as well as my glasses. Driving on 495, I saw a sign telling me which exit I needed to get off at.
When I got to the exit, there was no sign telling me which way to turn off the exit. I, naturally, went the wrong way. When I made the illegal U-turn to go back (God Bless out of state license plates!), I still didn't see any sign. I managed to make the correct turns, going down a very bleak and unpopulated road, past the industrial section to the Metro station. I pulled into the lot ($4.50/day), only to realize I may not be able to find a parking spot. I drove around a few aisles, and I found 2 spots, one small spot in between 2 SUV's parked at angles and another REALLY small spot between a BMW sportster and an SUV. I managed to get hold my breath and squeeze into that spot. Then I found the entrance to the Metro station.
Because I had to buy a SmartTrip pass to get out of the parking lot, I attempted to purchase one there. It's like a Breeze Pass that Marta uses, it's good for parking and subway trips. I had purchased one before, (of course) couldn't find it, but I wanted to buy one now anyway, it's the Obama Commemorative SmartTrip card. ! The machine wouldn't take ANY of my 3 debit/credit cards. I went to the attendant and told him, and he said it only takes cash. (Let's make the trips easier for all tourists and only take cash...) He said I could buy a regular fare card and get cash at Crystal City.
So I go to the interview, and on the way back I get cash. (You can't get a SmartTrip card at Crystal City, they don't have parking. You can only buy a SmartTrip card at a metro station where they have parking or at a CVS. You can load your card at any station, you just can't buy one. I don't know.) So I used the AMT card and got $20, only $20 or increments of $20. When I get back to the first station to buy the card to let me out of the parking lot, of couse, it only takes $10's and will not give change. I'm cold, it's raining, I'm uncomfortable, my feet hurt and I'm pissed. Out of frustration, I used my debit card again. Guess what? It took it. So to make a long, boring story short (oops. too late) I got home unscathed. And it wasn't an Obama Commemorative Card. Darn.
So after all this, my glass is 1/2 full: I got the last parking spot at the VanDorn Metro station. And the regular fare card was an Obama Commemorative card. !
Later, fans! I need a drink.
Job Hunt
I had an interview today that went pretty well. The recruiter told me that even he thought it was just a formality, that I'm pretty much getting the job. Still, let's not count our chickens, just yet anyway.
Let me wax eloquently about this current Job Hunt. If you read my other blog, you pretty much lived thru the 4 (yes, 4) years I was looking for a 'real' job, how frustrating and how demeaning. It's not any better, there are just more jobs and more humiliations to go thru now. Let me explain:
I've been working with some very young recruiters (i.e. first job out of college) and all their business savvy. (Sarcasm never comes across well when typing) Here is but part of the letter I received confirming the interview today:
'Your interview with ??? is confirmed for tomorrow, January 6th @ 11:00AM. Please meet my account manager, RW, no later than 10:45AM in the lobby of the building. In case of an emergency, you can call him on his cell phone(deleted number) . He will introduce you to the managers and make sure you're in the right place
Please remember to dress professionally, bring something to write with and a few copies of your resume (along with your writing samples), bring your ID to check in with security, and be on time. The address for your interview is xxx. Make sure to research the company before you interview, and have pertinent questions ready (be over prepared). '
OK, so maybe some geeks need to be reminded to dress up, but I think I'm a bit more experienced than that. I guess it could have been worse, they could have reminded me to wear matching socks.
What I should have been told is a more specific address (the interview was at Crystal City and for those of you not familiar with Crystal City, it is several blocks of office buildings adjoined by a walkway filled with shops and restaurants on the main level. There is no lobby.) I should have been told the names and titles of the people interviewing me, something about what these folks are looking for in that position, and more information about the contract. But that would be more than they know.
Another phenomenon I've experienced lately is a request from the recruiter for a cover letter. Yes, a cover letter. I haven't written a cover letter in YEARS! When one applies online, one just presses the 'apply' button. Most of these requests seem to come from a specific ethnic sample of the recruiter population. (God will get me for that!)
But I guess I'm at their mercy and I need to be more understanding. I, too, was once a bright-eyed Entry Level employee.
Is the Cup 1/2 Empty or 1/2 full?
I wanted to spout off with some controversial things to say, but I'll do that later. Today I want to share with you my 'journey' to and from the interview, the Catch-22 that is MY Life.
I decided to go to another subway stop, one that is closer to where I needed to go (as opposed to the one I would drive to to go to the LOC). When I had commuted before, Back In The Day before I left town, this station didn't even exist. I looked up online to get directions and left early enough to avoid complications. Thank goodness I thought enough in advance. It was cold and rainy and drizzly today, with Winter Storm Warnings for this afternoon (yes, a run on the stores for milk and bread!). I realized before I got to the Metro I'd forgotten my thumb drive with my resume on it (OK, I apologize to giving the kids crap for writing that in the confirmation letter, I forgot anyway), as well as my glasses. Driving on 495, I saw a sign telling me which exit I needed to get off at.
When I got to the exit, there was no sign telling me which way to turn off the exit. I, naturally, went the wrong way. When I made the illegal U-turn to go back (God Bless out of state license plates!), I still didn't see any sign. I managed to make the correct turns, going down a very bleak and unpopulated road, past the industrial section to the Metro station. I pulled into the lot ($4.50/day), only to realize I may not be able to find a parking spot. I drove around a few aisles, and I found 2 spots, one small spot in between 2 SUV's parked at angles and another REALLY small spot between a BMW sportster and an SUV. I managed to get hold my breath and squeeze into that spot. Then I found the entrance to the Metro station.
Because I had to buy a SmartTrip pass to get out of the parking lot, I attempted to purchase one there. It's like a Breeze Pass that Marta uses, it's good for parking and subway trips. I had purchased one before, (of course) couldn't find it, but I wanted to buy one now anyway, it's the Obama Commemorative SmartTrip card. ! The machine wouldn't take ANY of my 3 debit/credit cards. I went to the attendant and told him, and he said it only takes cash. (Let's make the trips easier for all tourists and only take cash...) He said I could buy a regular fare card and get cash at Crystal City.
So I go to the interview, and on the way back I get cash. (You can't get a SmartTrip card at Crystal City, they don't have parking. You can only buy a SmartTrip card at a metro station where they have parking or at a CVS. You can load your card at any station, you just can't buy one. I don't know.) So I used the AMT card and got $20, only $20 or increments of $20. When I get back to the first station to buy the card to let me out of the parking lot, of couse, it only takes $10's and will not give change. I'm cold, it's raining, I'm uncomfortable, my feet hurt and I'm pissed. Out of frustration, I used my debit card again. Guess what? It took it. So to make a long, boring story short (oops. too late) I got home unscathed. And it wasn't an Obama Commemorative Card. Darn.
So after all this, my glass is 1/2 full: I got the last parking spot at the VanDorn Metro station. And the regular fare card was an Obama Commemorative card. !
Later, fans! I need a drink.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Hello Again! Happy New Year! Merry Christmas
and all that holiay stuff.
I promise I'll try to keep this blogging up-to-date, it may be tough. Now, to fill you in:
Life with Octogenarians
Yes, I'm living with my parents. It's not easy, it's not fun, but it is helpful for me and for them. We have 'conversations' daily on all sorts of things, mainly getting rid of some of the stuff, moving furniture around, getting 'new' stuff. I'm honestly trying to help them, but they feel it's an invasion of their lifestyle. For example, my mom has bursitis/pinched nerve in her hip. (We're not sure what it is, we're waiting for test results.) She's having trouble walking and it's not easy for her to reach up to the top shelf where she keeps the dishes. I wanted to move a cabinet from the rec room into the kitchen to use for the dishes, it is lower and we could store so many things in there. It would also remove some clutter from the room and maybe clear out some space. But, nooo, she doesn't want that. Both my parents said she could use a stool to stand on. Not a good idea for an 84-year-old with hip problems. I finally did convince them to get a wire shelf to put in the cabinet to stack the dishes on so they are more easily accessible.
We've also gone rounds about getting cable TV. They didn't want it, they were happy with network TV. All they do is watch TV and all they watched was junk. I had to get an internet connection, so I told them I couldn't get just the internet, I had to get cable TV also. So the TV hasn't been off since. My sisters and I bought them a 32" HDTV for Christmas and that was a Great Gift. I think I'll have to send it back as it only gets Westerns, Old Movies and Football games.
Job Hunt
Yes, I'm doing that again. My contract with the Library of Congress ended on Dec 17, so I've taken the last 2 weeks off (?!) . I've had 2 interviews, a face-to-face with a hiring manager, a phone interview and I've got a face-to-face tomorrow. (11AM tomorrow, they just called. right off the metro stop.) These are both Unisys, but for different contracts, one with the GSA another with Customs. They both sound promising, not as much money as I'd like, but more than I'm making now. There is one other contract I'm interested in, and I'm waiting for the recruiter to call me back with a status. I don't think this unemployment time will last more than a few weeks. With the New Year and the New President, money should open up.
The New President
I hope Obama can sustain the good feelings we all have for his presidency. This city is pretty Obama-crazy now. I hope he can deliver on some of his promises.
Other Things
My house is still for sale. If you are in Atlanta and looking for a home, or if you want to move to Atlanta, it's a geat house, in a great neighborhood, reasonably priced....
Miss Katrina is fitting in just fine with the Old Folks. Of course, Miss Katrina will fit in just fine anywhere, she's that kind of cat. She still has issues with my parents cat, but he's an instigator and will probably always be that way. I'd like a kitten, or a young cat as Miss K needs a friend to give her exercise and my parents need something positive and happy in this house.
My Big Sister is coming up on Wednesday to paint the living room and dining room and hallway. I'm in charge of prep-work and, as we all know, that's the worst part. I don't know the last time this house was painted, it's been many years. First, the Christmas decorations have to be put away, then the furniture has to be moved away from the walls, then I have to take all the pictures off the walls, fill in the nail holes and other problems, then we can think about painting. The ceiling is a popcorn ceiling and I know that hasn't been painted since it was done, probably 20 years ago. I'm also looking forward to having an ally in getting rid of stuff. Becky has a mini-van and we can take LOTS of stuff to the Goodwill. We have to clean some stuff out so thay can walk without lots of stuff in the way. It's easier for my mom to use a walker sometimes, but there is no room for a walker to get thru this crap.
I'am going to join an Artists group, where I can display some jewelry and sell it. It's at a nearby park, and I'm only required to work in the shop for 4 hours every 2 months. I stopped by the other day to take a look and it works for me. I have to be juried in, so that will be a good one on my Jewelry Resume, whatever that is....
Gotta run, they've gone to the doctor or something and I can throw some things away.
I promise I'll try to keep this blogging up-to-date, it may be tough. Now, to fill you in:
Life with Octogenarians
Yes, I'm living with my parents. It's not easy, it's not fun, but it is helpful for me and for them. We have 'conversations' daily on all sorts of things, mainly getting rid of some of the stuff, moving furniture around, getting 'new' stuff. I'm honestly trying to help them, but they feel it's an invasion of their lifestyle. For example, my mom has bursitis/pinched nerve in her hip. (We're not sure what it is, we're waiting for test results.) She's having trouble walking and it's not easy for her to reach up to the top shelf where she keeps the dishes. I wanted to move a cabinet from the rec room into the kitchen to use for the dishes, it is lower and we could store so many things in there. It would also remove some clutter from the room and maybe clear out some space. But, nooo, she doesn't want that. Both my parents said she could use a stool to stand on. Not a good idea for an 84-year-old with hip problems. I finally did convince them to get a wire shelf to put in the cabinet to stack the dishes on so they are more easily accessible.
We've also gone rounds about getting cable TV. They didn't want it, they were happy with network TV. All they do is watch TV and all they watched was junk. I had to get an internet connection, so I told them I couldn't get just the internet, I had to get cable TV also. So the TV hasn't been off since. My sisters and I bought them a 32" HDTV for Christmas and that was a Great Gift. I think I'll have to send it back as it only gets Westerns, Old Movies and Football games.
Job Hunt
Yes, I'm doing that again. My contract with the Library of Congress ended on Dec 17, so I've taken the last 2 weeks off (?!) . I've had 2 interviews, a face-to-face with a hiring manager, a phone interview and I've got a face-to-face tomorrow. (11AM tomorrow, they just called. right off the metro stop.) These are both Unisys, but for different contracts, one with the GSA another with Customs. They both sound promising, not as much money as I'd like, but more than I'm making now. There is one other contract I'm interested in, and I'm waiting for the recruiter to call me back with a status. I don't think this unemployment time will last more than a few weeks. With the New Year and the New President, money should open up.
The New President
I hope Obama can sustain the good feelings we all have for his presidency. This city is pretty Obama-crazy now. I hope he can deliver on some of his promises.
Other Things
My house is still for sale. If you are in Atlanta and looking for a home, or if you want to move to Atlanta, it's a geat house, in a great neighborhood, reasonably priced....
Miss Katrina is fitting in just fine with the Old Folks. Of course, Miss Katrina will fit in just fine anywhere, she's that kind of cat. She still has issues with my parents cat, but he's an instigator and will probably always be that way. I'd like a kitten, or a young cat as Miss K needs a friend to give her exercise and my parents need something positive and happy in this house.
My Big Sister is coming up on Wednesday to paint the living room and dining room and hallway. I'm in charge of prep-work and, as we all know, that's the worst part. I don't know the last time this house was painted, it's been many years. First, the Christmas decorations have to be put away, then the furniture has to be moved away from the walls, then I have to take all the pictures off the walls, fill in the nail holes and other problems, then we can think about painting. The ceiling is a popcorn ceiling and I know that hasn't been painted since it was done, probably 20 years ago. I'm also looking forward to having an ally in getting rid of stuff. Becky has a mini-van and we can take LOTS of stuff to the Goodwill. We have to clean some stuff out so thay can walk without lots of stuff in the way. It's easier for my mom to use a walker sometimes, but there is no room for a walker to get thru this crap.
I'am going to join an Artists group, where I can display some jewelry and sell it. It's at a nearby park, and I'm only required to work in the shop for 4 hours every 2 months. I stopped by the other day to take a look and it works for me. I have to be juried in, so that will be a good one on my Jewelry Resume, whatever that is....
Gotta run, they've gone to the doctor or something and I can throw some things away.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Just a Quick Note
I don't want to get into the habit of blogging at work, but on this day I think I should. I'm almost working at Ground Zero, not NYC, but Washington DC. The Pentagon isn't too far away, and the White House and Congress are within walking distance. The atmosphere today is somber. Traffic was a mess because of the dedication of the memorial at the Pentagon and they've closed some major routes to get to the city.
I was in Atlanta on 9/11/01 and I heard of the situation over the radio at work. I called my parents here in DC, and my sister left work that day as she was in the take off pattern of the plane that hit the Pentagon. Many people know people that were killed that day. It gives it a more human angle.
So how much safer are we today? Well, they may not be able to hijack an airplane, but they can definately effect something as important as the food sources. Makes you think.
Anyway, say a prayer today for the families effected in 9/11, kiss you family and/or friends and enjoy being alive.
More later.
I was in Atlanta on 9/11/01 and I heard of the situation over the radio at work. I called my parents here in DC, and my sister left work that day as she was in the take off pattern of the plane that hit the Pentagon. Many people know people that were killed that day. It gives it a more human angle.
So how much safer are we today? Well, they may not be able to hijack an airplane, but they can definately effect something as important as the food sources. Makes you think.
Anyway, say a prayer today for the families effected in 9/11, kiss you family and/or friends and enjoy being alive.
More later.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Hi! It's Me!
For all my Atl fans, this is the correct blog. I'm still trying to finalize things, but you get the general idea.
If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Ashburn...
I stayed with my parents on Sunday, and with my sister last night. It was supposed to be easier for me to prepare for a new job, but, alas, everything fell apart. The first clue should have been that she hadn't set up a bed for me, but put me on the couch. Not a bad thing, I just expected a bit more. Second thing, when I went to shower in her extra bathroom, the shower knob didn't work, so I had to shower in her bathroom. But the biggest issue is that she lives SO FAR west, my commute today was 2 hours. We left the house at 7am, drove to the Metro Station and took the train. That sucks. Tomorrow we are taking a bus all the way downtown, another 2 hour joy ride.
I think on Friday, I'm staying with Mom and Dad, at least I can sleep a bit later. (They live a lot closer to DC)
Roommate
I went out to visit a potential roommate, and I'm thinking I might take the room. Actually 2 rooms, made into one. I'll have my own bathroom, and I'll get to keep the kitties. The commute will be a bit longer than I'd like, but I can do anything for 6 months. I'll be living close to a nice area where I can walk to stores and restaurants. I'll make up my mind tomorrow and move in this weekend. I'm tired of living out of my car and trying to find anything and everything. (Is it in the car? At My Parents? In the POD?
So The New Job
Today was the first day of the New Job. The subway stop is just across the street from the building I work in. The people seem very nice, friendly and helpful. I will be having some user meetings tomorrow, getting to know the people, the applications and the expectations. This will be interesting. My day started at 5:30am and it's almost over, as I'm beat. After not working for 6 months, my first day is a LONG one.
There is a book fair at the Library of Congress on Sept 27, can't tell you who the authors are, but what the hell? I may go. I've been told there's a wine festival in a week or two, so you KNOW I'll be there. I'm making a list of all that I want to do now that I'm home again, but it keeps growing. I've never been to Harper's Ferry WVa, never been down the canal in Georgetown, I want to go down to see all the redevelopment in SouthEast DC, near the Anacostia, to name a few. We added checking out the Dranesville Tavern, and maybe a few other things. I'll keep you posted.
More later, I'm tired.
If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Ashburn...
I stayed with my parents on Sunday, and with my sister last night. It was supposed to be easier for me to prepare for a new job, but, alas, everything fell apart. The first clue should have been that she hadn't set up a bed for me, but put me on the couch. Not a bad thing, I just expected a bit more. Second thing, when I went to shower in her extra bathroom, the shower knob didn't work, so I had to shower in her bathroom. But the biggest issue is that she lives SO FAR west, my commute today was 2 hours. We left the house at 7am, drove to the Metro Station and took the train. That sucks. Tomorrow we are taking a bus all the way downtown, another 2 hour joy ride.
I think on Friday, I'm staying with Mom and Dad, at least I can sleep a bit later. (They live a lot closer to DC)
Roommate
I went out to visit a potential roommate, and I'm thinking I might take the room. Actually 2 rooms, made into one. I'll have my own bathroom, and I'll get to keep the kitties. The commute will be a bit longer than I'd like, but I can do anything for 6 months. I'll be living close to a nice area where I can walk to stores and restaurants. I'll make up my mind tomorrow and move in this weekend. I'm tired of living out of my car and trying to find anything and everything. (Is it in the car? At My Parents? In the POD?
So The New Job
Today was the first day of the New Job. The subway stop is just across the street from the building I work in. The people seem very nice, friendly and helpful. I will be having some user meetings tomorrow, getting to know the people, the applications and the expectations. This will be interesting. My day started at 5:30am and it's almost over, as I'm beat. After not working for 6 months, my first day is a LONG one.
There is a book fair at the Library of Congress on Sept 27, can't tell you who the authors are, but what the hell? I may go. I've been told there's a wine festival in a week or two, so you KNOW I'll be there. I'm making a list of all that I want to do now that I'm home again, but it keeps growing. I've never been to Harper's Ferry WVa, never been down the canal in Georgetown, I want to go down to see all the redevelopment in SouthEast DC, near the Anacostia, to name a few. We added checking out the Dranesville Tavern, and maybe a few other things. I'll keep you posted.
More later, I'm tired.
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