Over the past few months, I've been adjusting to life in Virginia. People talk funny. Everything is in English and Spanish. All in all, I'm liking our new home. There is so much to see and do that I've never done before that each time we go out, it's an adventure.
This week, I will interview with Small County schools to get on their subbing list. I will also sub for LMK on Wednesday and Friday (if his games aren't cancelled like todays). Finally, we will travel to Richmond so I can hopefully interview with all the surrounding schools in hopes of getting a job for next year. This week starts the beginning of the spring break count down(2 more weeks!) and we are busy, busy, busy.
I'm looking forward to getting into the Small County elementary schools and seeing if I like it. I've been warned about Small County, but it's mostly been from people involved in the high school. I've seen the teenagers around here - and yep, they'd worry me too. However, with no specifics, just a "watch out" I can't help but not worry.
I'd like to think that I can teach anywhere. In fact, my cooperating teacher told me once, if I could teach in Roanoke City schools, I could teach anywhere. Mind you, I won't be heading into the DC schools, but most urban schools don't worry me. Every school has it's problems - urban schools have urban problems, rural schools have rural problems. Right now, all I want is a job. Once I get some teaching experience, I'll think about moving to a more desirable district if needed.
Now, about those pod-teenagers...
I am constantly amazed, no, flabbergasted by LMK's students. Not only do they come up to him in public and speak to him. They're polite! Uber-polite! It's always, "Hello, sir. Yes, sir. No, sir. Nice to meet you, ma'am." It's all I can do not to stand there and stare at them with my mouth hanging open.
Friday, I went up and met his kids. I always like to know the kids a little before I walk into a classroom. Being a first time high school sub, this was doubly important to me. These are still typical teenagers. They're concerned with themselves, make stupid choices, and whine, but under that - they're just nice kids.
As his last class was leaving, several students stopped to say, "It was nice meeting you, Mrs."
"It was nice meeting you, too. I will see you on Monday," I replied.
"Oh no, Mrs." One student said stopping and looking proud, "I won't be here. I have a game."
"In that case, good luck!"
As we were leaving Friday afternoon, one of LMK's students all but jumped in front of the car to get us to stop. LMK got out and the student turned over his missing homework assignments. "I'm sorry they're late, sir," he apologized, "and I'm sorry to have to interrupt you on your way to practice."
Saturday, we went to a movie with LMK's parents downtown. We ran into another one of his students. He, too, was unfailingly polite and well-spoken. It's refreshing to speak to teenagers who are trained to be polite. My mother worked hard on my brother and I to teach us manners and respect for our elders. For goodness sakes, when I subbed for her colleagues that had known me since I was born, I still called them Mr. Smith and Mrs. Jones. I thought manners had all but disappeared.
Teenagers, with manners! At The School, teenagers with manners aren't the exception, but the rule. I swear, The School is spoiling me. No school is going to live up to the atmosphere at The School. Everyone is so unfailingly polite, generous, and kind it's amazing. I don't know whether I should be proud to be associated with such a wonderful program or if I should be upset that a little dose of manners and common courtesy are such a shock.
I'm glad I'm not working at The School more. All these kids would have to do is "ma'am" me a couple times and I'd give them whatever they wanted.
We finally ordered our tickets to Thoroughly Modern Millie!
LMK and I have made it a tradition to go to a show for our anniversary for the past few years. He and my parents were even sweet enough to take me to see The Sound of Music for my birthday. This year, there was nothing I wanted to see around our anniversary, but I saw they would have TMM in the spring. I love the movie with Julie Andrews (I love anything with Julie Andrews) and I have been dying to see the musical.
LMK got tickets last night! We're going when we are in Ohio for Spring Break. I'm so excited. TMM and the cheese plate which I love...mmm cheese (if it wasn't so expensive, we'd get the fruit plate, too). I'm so excited. I'll spend the month until we go to Ohio studying the menu and deciding what I will get. I know it's cheesy, but I just love going to Carousel. The food is delicious and I love seeing musicals.
Also, over the weekend, I made O.live Ga.rden soup. I found the recipe on a website that has dozens of restaurant recipes (OG and others). It was delicious! I think I liked it better than the actual soup at Olive Garden because I control what goes in and how much. I will definitely be trying it again with skim milk instead of heavy cream. While it won't be as yummy, it might not qualify as a heart attack in a bowl.
I have lost my ever-lovin' mind! I'm having flashbacks to the day LMK came home from practice at The College and told me Head Coach had agreed us hosting a team function was a great idea.
"I said I'd do what!?"
Next week, LMK starts soccer games. In order for him to coach, he'll have to leave school early on game days. Usually not more than the last period or two. As long as we've been here, I've heard how hard it is for The School to get subs (I've heard its a problem for most private schools). So instead of having someone in the administration come cover LMK's class, I said I'd do it. Why?
I DON'T KNOW!
In all honesty, I'm not that concerned about subbing for him. I know he will leave me enough work for the kids to complete. I know he will back up any decisions I make. But most importantly, I know he will nail their asses to the wall should they give me problems. After all, he's the one that told me "If they give you trouble, then you give me trouble and I can make them sorry they gave you trouble." Hehehe. My work here is done. Who knows, I may love it. Right now, I'm just excited to be getting out of the house for a few hours. FREEDOM! I'm planning to go up Friday afternoon to meet his kids. Plus, I need to ask the secretary that does subbing about some of the protocol I'll need to follow. Another day out of the house!
Also, the interview/sub meeting I worried about - not a problem. Yesterday, Small County called to reschedule my interview due to the forecasted weather. "Great," I thought, "I can go to Large County's sub meeting".
Ahahahahahaha, I'm so funny. All the schools are closed today due to inclement weather. Mind you, it didn't even start snowing until 1 in the afternoon. Gotta love Virginia!
This morning as I was trying to squeeze in a few last moments of sleep with the kitties. I heard a huge CRASH! Kitties where running every which way. Socks was so startled, he fell off the bed. I checked out the upstairs and didn't notice anything wrong. So I got dressed and went downstairs to take my medicine and get some breakfast.
Once I took my pills, I decided to check the mail. I opened the front door and saw this:
Ah ha. I have found what made the crashing noise. So I went back upstairs and sent LMK a SOS email and went in search of the missing window. Finally, I found the window in LMK's closet had been literally blown out. We have the inside wooden windows, but the frame for the storm windows? Gone.
LMK came home at lunch time to assess the damage. He called maintenance and was assured as soon as someone came back from lunch they would send them over. I expect them any time now. It's been almost 24 hours and no maintenance, so maybe I was concerned about nothing. Evidently, windows get blown out of the frames all the time around here. No big deal. Yesterday, I waited several hours and then went out and cleaned up the mess. There is still some glass in the brick, but I got a lot of it picked up.
I will NOT be cleaning this up though. Nope, they can go out and do that part. Me climbing on the roof is NOT a good idea.
Wednesday is the last substitute meeting of the year for Large County. Once a month, they have a half day sub training meeting where prospective subs fill out paper work and I'm sure, listen to safety training, etc. Last month, I couldn't go because it snowed and school was closed. Once you attend the meeting, they add you to the list a month later. (If I go to the one next Wednesday, I would get added at the beginning of April)
I've been planning for a month to go to this meeting. Right?
Yesterday, I got a call for a substitute interview with Small County schools. The schools that are RIGHT IN TOWN. When is my interview? You guessed it, Wednesday morning. Followed by training for 2 hours on the 14th.
Which would YOU go to?
Some facts:
- Large county schools drive ranges from 40-60 minutes for me.
- Small County schools drive ranges from 3 - 10 minutes for me (I can walk to one).
- Large County School's "real" jobs pay a little more than Small County.
- Both schools pay the same sub rate.
- I have an interview on the 31st with Large County.
- I have heard "horror" stories of how "bad" Small County schools are. I have no evidence that this is true.
- Both schools will be at the GVTI on the 17th (which LMK and I decided I should attend, yesterday).
I mentioned before how much she makes me crazy. However, after finding this, I can finally make through the whole half hour. I must say, some of her recipes seem pretty tasty. I'm tempted to try them.
Anyway, I have a problem. One of many, I know. In lots of her cooking, there is wine. It's in a lot of recipes I think sound yummy.
I've heard several times now, "Never use a wine you wouldn't drink."
I don't drink wine! I don't like wine. I don't really care for alcohol. I've actually only tried wine with one and it wasn't bad but I wouldn't miss the taste/flavor. So, should I continue what I've been doing and just omitting the wine in recipes? Or should I get some wine to have on hand to cook with? What kind of wine is "good" (inexpensive) wine? How long can I keep wine in the fridge?
Seriously.
When we moved to Virginia, LMK and I decided to only bring one car. Basically, we didn't see the need for his car and we were hoping to sell it and make a little money. Long story short, we didn't bring it nor did we sell it. It's still in Ohio. My parents have used it when they've been in a bind and I'm glad it's been there for them to use.
We really like his car for the most part. It gets great gas mileage and it was the perfect car for him when he was putting 50 miles a day on it. We just don't need it right now.
Now, it's just another expense. Both of our cars are getting older (I have a 2000, he has a 2001) and we're going to need to start thinking about new cars. However, for several months, I have excitedly paid the car payments and exclaimed to LMK - "11 payments left! 10 payments!" We currently have 7 payments left in the book. I was thrilled. Thrilled! We're about 6 months ahead and the end is in sight! We're finally going to OWN our car.
Hahahaha. Or so we thought.
We're trying to sell the car through a friend of the family who does this type of thing for a living. However, in order to sell the car, we have to have the title (or something like that). So my parents offered to front the cost and basically get reimbursed when the car sells. Great idea! One less bill for us! Win-win! Hooray! So today, we called the loan company to get our remaining balance. Instead of being a little over $1,000 it's closer to $2,000.
Evidently, we're on a 66 month loan, not a 60 month loan like I thought. Of course, our payment book goes up to 60 payments, so why would I think that was it? Silly me. Who the hell publishes a book and leaves out 6 payments!? It's simply wasteful and sneaky.
Razzafrazzin' car dealerships. It's a frickin' racket. We have a year of payments left. It's just about the most depressing thing I've ever heard.
Boo.
Every day, I come to post and I can't think of anything. Don't you hate posts that start out that way? So, just so I feel better, a bulleted list:
- The squirrel that sat on the power lines watching the bird feeder as we mounted it to the deck has succeeded in emptying the feeder. Razzafrazzin squirrel! Not to worry though, Socks has made it his mission to watch that squirrel. As we speak, he sitting in front of the sliding glass door staring at him.
- Soccer season has begun. Husband? What husband? They've got a record number of girls signed up this year. 33! Last year they had 14. I would hope LMK is part of the huge sign up. However, in those 33 there are girls that want to play on the US National team someday as well as girls that have never touched a soccer ball before. This ought to be a great learning experience for LMK. This is not college where all that matters is winning. Boy, is that a relief.
- My ankle is still sore, but it's getting a little better every day. I'm hoping by next week to be able to resume my indoor walking. Heck, if it continues to warm up, I may grab LMK and do a lap around the block. Once the weather improves, I'm hoping to do more walking. Even with the huge hill we'd have to walk up/down things are within walking distance. I'd love to be able to walk into town and see a movie. They just have to get half decent movies!
- LMK and I saw Because I Said So two weeks ago. It was really enjoyable! Our first movie since...geez, since I saw The Devil Wears Prada with Twin. We really need to start going to the movies more often. I love movies.
- I'm trying to get the office somewhat organized. Right now, I'm sorting through old bills. I'm thinking I can get rid of all our old bills from Ohio, right? I might save one copy of each, just in case we move back someday. Ok...I'll hold on to them for a few more years, then pitch them, too.
- I am dog sitting in April! Dog sitting is my third favorite type of sitting, right behind baby and cat. One of the other teacher's is going away for the weekend and all the teachers have parent-teacher conferences. So, I volunteered! I'm very excited as I miss Lucy. I need some puppy love. Her dog is a black lab/Great Dane mix. Holy moses, I'm horse sitting!
- Anyone know of a good program to "test" paint colors? Since we live in school housing, the President has to approve most cosmetic changes and additions. I want to demonstrate what the rooms will look like when finished. I had planned to just used the fill function in Paint Shop, but the colors are too cartoony. They scare even me.
- I'm an M&M!
Since Socks has taken up other canine tendencies (sleeping in front of the fire, etc) we've decided he needs to start training right away to be just like Chuck over at Dooce.
I think he could pull it off. We're starting small with 50% off Reese's peanut butter cups. He was not amused, but he sat still, which is more than I can say for his brothers.
Socks is always a good sport. I'm sure the cat puke in the kitchen this morning was just a coincidence.
It's freezing frickin' cold, but it's still warmer than Ohio.
Our driveway still hasn't melted and yesterday we got about another inch of snow on top of the ice. Ah ha! Traction!
Speaking of traction, LMK and I went to the store to purchase a bath mat for our shower. Why?
Basically, I'll sum the whole situation up with - contrary to what I thought, our shower floor gets incredibly slippery. I had an exciting shower this morning as I slipped turning to rinse the conditioner out of my hair.
You would think in a bathroom as tiny as ours that I could have found SOMETHING to grab onto as I was falling. Nope! My hands slid across the wall of the shower to the door, which wasn't completely shut and flew open. Cats were skidding every which way as I struggled to find something to grab onto. I had no luck. So far, the only damage is a sore ankle and what I am expecting to be a bruise where I hit my abdomen on the tub. Generally, I just hurt!
Have a warm and SAFE President's Day everyone.
I have the best cousins ever.
Molly, my cousin-in-law, is one of my very best friends. She's taking online classes to get a business degree. I definitely miss seeing her on a daily basis. I have no one to get into trouble with here!
Mo Mom is also taking online education classes to get her associate's degree. Both LMK and I have been helping her when she needs it since online learning can be really tricky. She's also got three little girls to keep track of so she's juggling a lot of balls. They're in Missouri, so we don't get to see them too often.
Anyway, today I received the following in the mail:
I admit, I got a little misty at the thought of finally getting to use these in my classroom. Of course, I can't actually use them. I must save them. Mo Mom has ordered me to use them so that someday I can get new ones. I have one word for her:
Laminator
They're just so neat! How could I use them!?
Shamelessly stolen from Sleeping Mommy.
Marriage Meme
1. Where/how did you meet?
LMK and I met on the internet. We met in a chatroom at the old Geocities site (before it was Yahoo! Geocities). All their chat rooms where HTML based, not Java like the chat rooms today. I still prefer that kind of chatroom. Anyway, I had been chatting there for several months and one day I entered and overheard...overead him talking about getting shot. (!!!!) I struck up a converstation from there and the rest, as they say, is history.
2. How long have you known each other?
This year will make 10 years. Wow...10 years.
3. How long after you met did you start dating?
This is all so tricky. Technically, we did the long distance relationship for about a year after we met. We actually met in person on his 20th birthday. We finally got to be together every day when I went to Tech in the fall of 1998. So...you decide when the "official" dating began.4. How long did you date before you were engaged?
We got engaged in September of my sophmore year at Tech. He proposed here:
Someday I am going to get a painting of it framed and hung in our house. I love the duck pond gazebo.
5. How long was your engagement?
A little over a year.
6. How long have you been married?
We just celebrated our 6th anniversary this December.7. What is your anniversary?
December 30th
8. How many people came to your wedding reception?
We expected about 150, but it was snowy so less showed up. Everyone was there that I wanted to be there.9. What kind of cake did you serve?
Cake-y cake. It was white cake with butter cream frosting. Very pretty and very simple.10. Where was your wedding?
The wedding was at my church. I love the decorations they have for Christmas so we didn't need to do much decorating. All we did was add poinsettias.11. What did you serve for your meal?
Some lemon chicken thing, rigatoni, salad, green beans, hashbrown casserole, and I forget what else. The place where we had the reception had wonderful food and they included decorating. It was beautiful.12. How many people were their in your bridal party?
Four on each side.13. Are you still friends with them all?
Since over half of them were family, yes. Two were my husband's younger cousins, one was my brother, one was my husband's father, and one was my cousin. My husband's best friend and two of my friends rounded out the eight. Out of my two friends, only one is sketchy and that's because we're both busy with out lives and don't get together like we should. I know if I needed her I could call her. Just as I hope she would do if she needed me. The other is Twin.14. Did you or your spouse cry during the ceremony?
Not really. I was too nervous. Although, I did get a little choked up when LMK said his vows. He was so serious. It was nice to know he really meant them.15. Most special moment of your wedding day?
Ummm...marrying LMK? Oh! And dancing with my grandfather, he died the following June.16. Any funny moments?
I would have to say my husband, father-in-law, brother, father, and LMK's cousins doing the YMCA in ridiculous hats was the highlight of my day.17. Any big disasters?
Two days before the wedding my father was "cleaning" and accidentally threw away my veil. It wouldn't have been a big deal but it was my mom's veil from her wedding and I'd spent hours gluing rhinestones and pearls to it. Shut up, I wanted to sparkle! :o)18. Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Disney World!19. How long were you gone?
11 days, we drove so that makes it about 8 days at Disney.20. If you were to do your wedding over, what would you change?
Nothing really. A lot of people still tell my mom that it was the most fun wedding they've ever been to. Plus, it ended up being pretty inexpensive.21. What side of the bed do you sleep on?
My side...which is usually the middle. I don't share well.22. What size is your bed?
Queen23. Greatest strength as a couple?
We've been told by several people that we have a really strong relationship and I agree. I think our honesty and our consideration for each other are definitely strengths. However, our greatest strength is probably our sense of "team". We are a team. Together we can do anything.24. Greatest challenge as a couple?
Definitely my stubborness. Plus all of LMK's health problems...those seem to be in check now, so they don't really count.25. Who literally pays the bills?
Right now, LMK makes the money and I pay the bills. However, this housewife crap is not all it's cracked up to be. I'm bored!26. What is your song?
We don't have a song really. I never understood that "our song" junk. However, our wedding song is what we've decided is our song.27. What did you dance your first dance to?
My Best Friend by Tim McGrawI never had no one
I could count on
I've been let down so many times
I was tired of hurtin'
So tired of searchin'
'til you walked into my life
It was a feelin
I'd never known
And for the first time
I didn't feel alone
You're more than a lover
There could never be another
To make me feel the way you do
Oh we just get closer
I fall in love all over
Everytime I look at you
I don't know where I'd be
Without you here with me
Life with you makes perfect sense
You're my best friend
You're my best friend, oh yeah
You stand by me
And you believe in me
Like nobody ever has
When my world goes crazy
Youre right there to save me
You make me see how much I have
And I still tremble
When we touch
And oh the look in your eyes
When we make love
You're more than a lover
There could never be another
To make me feel the way you do
Oh we just get closer
I fall in love all over
Everytime I look at you
And I don't know where I'd be
Without you here with me
Life with you makes perfect sense
You're my best friend
You're my best friend
You're more than a lover
There could never be another
To make me feel the way you do
Oh we just get closer
I fall in love all over
Everytime I look at you
And I don't know where I'd be
Without you here with me
Life with you makes perfect sense
You're my best friend
You're my best friend (my best friend)
You're my best friend (my best friend)
28. Describe your wedding dress?
I wish I could just put a picture like SM did (good idea). However, I don't have one scanned and all my pictures are in Ohio. Boo. My dress was made for me. Mainly because I liked the sleeves of this dress, the neckline of that dress, the train of this dress, etc. My dress was short sleeved, A-line dress, with a princess neckline. Then we bought beaded lace and put it at the top of the dress (around the neckline) and at the bottom of the train. It was beautiful. Oh, and I also had the dressmaker sew my grandmother's initials into the train of my dress in light blue. Have I mentioned I LOVED my dress. It's a shame I only got to wear it once. I'd love to wear it again and again. But we got it dry cleaned and preserved so I would have it for years to come.29. What kind of flowers did you have at your wedding?
Huge red and white poinsettias around the church (they were beautiful). Then the bouquets were evergreen and red and white roses. We actually ordered them from the local grocery store. They were really pretty and much cheaper than going to the florist in town. Some of my mom's family is in the flower business (they're pretty big in the flower business actually) so we didn't feel we could do artificial flowers. We ended up getting the poinsettias from my cousin wholesale. Then we donated them to the church for shut-ins. Our bouquets were stuck into paper bags and frozen for a year. They still look pretty darn good!
30. Are your wedding bands engraved? What do they say?
Nope, mine is too thin to be engraved. I wanted to engrave LMK's with "PUT IT BACK ON", but he didn't find the humor in that. Hehehehehe.
and I feel fine.
I've said it before, but I am going to say it again. These people are hilarious!
They're predicting 4 inches of snow and possibly some ice over the next 24 hours. While I would really like to get some more firewood, since we're almost out, it's the only thing we really need. Of course, we don't have anything to load the wood into and I don't want to pay $200 for wood (it's like burning money). So it would seem we're at an impass.
Anyway...according to one of the maintenence guys (the one that was at our house no less than 3 times yesterday), there will be no bread, milk, or toilet paper at the grocery store because everyone is stock piling. Meanwhile, in Ohio they're under a blizzard watch. I can understand those people getting some extra supplies. 18-20 inches of snow in a day is big trouble even in an area where they get a lot of snow each year.
All I know is I sent brownies up for the maintenence guys today since they've been really great about fixing all our house problems. I'm hoping things will stop breaking now so we can quit calling them. I feel like I see them more than LMK. One guy commented yesterday that if he came back again today the neighbors would start to talk. Yes, they would!
It's starting to ice here, so I am going to go get some housework done. Luckily, I don't have to leave in this awful weather. Yay for unemployment! If you need us, Socks and I will be warming ourselves by the fire....until we run out of firewood.
Stay warm, stay safe everyone!
I haven't forgotten about figuring out why skinny people make me nervous, I just don't feel like figuring it out today. So I will meme. I found this on MySpace. Adapted it to the blog.
So these be the rules
1. Put your music player on shuffle.
2. Press forward for each question.
3. Use the song title as the answer to the question even if it doesn't make sense. NO CHEATING!
4. Tag 5 people. (Note: I don't tag.)
5.With the answers, give your own comments on how it relates to the questions. (Comments are in italics)
So here goes!!
1. How are you feeling today?
Leave the Pieces - The Wreckers ~ Hmmm...not really. Melancholy is good though.
2. Will you get far in life?
Always Tomorrow - Princess Diaries soundtrack ~ Ooooo...good choice.
3. How do your friends see you?
Me and My Gang - Rascal Flatts ~ Hehehehehehehe.
4. Will you get married?
Holding on for a Hero - Soundtrack from Footloose ~ "A white knight upon a fiery steed." :o)
5. What is you best friend's theme song?
Hakuna Matata - Soundtrack from the Lion King ~ Nice.
6. What is the story of your life?
My Wish - Rascal Flatts ~ Ooooo, chills.
7. What was/is highschool like?
Crush - Lila McCann ~ Hmmm. Intersting. Somewhat relative.
8. How can you get ahead in life?
We're Not Gonna Take It - Twisted Sister ~ AHAHAHAHAHA!
9. What is the best thing about your friends?
Favorite State of Mind - Josh Gracin ~ "Crazy, happy, laughin' at me, all that and then some."
10. What is in store for this weekend?
Miss You More - BBMak (Princess Diaries Soundtrack) ~ Well...that's enough to depress me.
11. To describe your grandparents?
Just a Few Questions I Have - Clay Walker
12. How is your life going?
Roots and Wings - James Bonamy ~ Love this song.
13. What song will they play at your funeral?
Ready to Run - Dixie Chicks (Runaway Bride Soundtrack) ~ Um...k.
14. How does the world see you?
Poison - Alice Cooper ~
15. Will you have a happy life?
Your Crowning Glory - Julie Andrews, Princess Diaries II soundtrack ~ Otay...still like the song.
16. What do your friends really think of you?
Dude Looks Like A Lady - Aerosmith ~ Heh.
17. Do people secretly lust after you?
Take Me or Leave Me - Soundtrack from Rent ~ ::snort::
18. How can I make myself happy?
Find Yourself - Brad Paisley
19. What should you do with your life?
Seek and Destroy - Metallica ~ Strange, yet powerful
20. Will you ever have children?
Without You - Soundtrack from Rent ~ "Life goes on, but I'm gone... without you." Hmm...fitting, I suppose.
LMK and I went to the doctor yesterday. Personally, I can breathe a sigh of relief that LMK is finally getting the health care he needs. With a family history of heart attacks and high blood pressure, I worry/worried about him constantly. We're one step closer to getting him healthier.
Me on the other hand. Meh. It's nothing I didn't already know. Must lose weight. Wait, I take that back. I learned that should I get pregnant, this practice won't "deal with me". Huh?
I don't remember most of what the doctor said. All I could hear was a rushing sound in my ears after she said the phrase, "high risk pregnancy."
Still thinking about that and what I am going to do to change things. I'm not a regular viewer of Ty.ra Banks, but I do like her. I just happened to have this show dvr'd. Maybe I should watch it everyday to keep my will power.
It's nice to have someone sticking up for the "fat" chicks. Truth be told, I've really stuck it to the man. I've decided I will never be skinny, so why bother trying. In fact, let's just go to the other extreme. If I can't be the skinniest person I know, well then, by God, I'm going to be the fattest. Mission accomplished.
Sigh.
Tomorrow, by request, I look at why skinny people make me nervous. It's Self Loathing Week here at Casa Lawn Mower. Pull up some issues and enjoy.
I've been up since 6AM.
We have no heat.
The men that know how to fix our heat aren't in yet.
It's 11° outside.
Update (10 A.M.) : We have heat! It's still cold as heck in here, but it's beginning to warm up. We're up to almost 50 in the living room!
Instead of watching the new episodes of Lost, LMK and I decided to watch the USA / Mexico friendlies game. We'll watch Lost on a night when LMK isn't zonked and can enjoy it.
Normally, I would be slightly miffed that we watched SOCCER instead of Lost, but the game was actually really good. It was fun to sit with my husband and watch soccer. We even took a page out of The College's men's team. After a really bad call, I couldn't help myself. "Let's boo at the ref! Booooooooooooooooooo" Heh. Maybe you had to be there.
I laughed when LMK yelled, "Albright, you're killin' me." in the second half. I wonder how many times he's said a variation of that on the sidelines for The College. He correctly called who was going to be subbed and where the new players were going. It's actually fun watching the games with him. He loves the game so much it makes those around him enjoy it too.
Finally, he came through with a funny. Please remember, when I married this man he was incredibly serious. Four years spent around my mother seem to doing him some good.
LMK: "A goalkeeper with Tourette's syndrome?..............How can they tell?"
5:39 A.M. - Silence in the Lawn Mower castle. Save for a lone fan whirring on low.
5:40 A.M. - The lone fan's whirring changes. LMQ awakes with the feeling something isn't quite right.
5:41 A.M. - Loud, consistent snores erupt from LMK in his 'Den of Seclusion' (a.k.a. The Loud Room...far away from The Quiet Room where LMQ is sleeping). LMQ rolls over and tries to go back to sleep.
5:45 A.M. - The soft whirring ceases as all power goes out in the castle.
5:46 A.M. - "Craaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaap," says LMQ. "Did we pay our electric bill?" she thinks. She decides to stay in bed until the downstairs clock chimes six. Then she will get up, wake up LMK, and inform him of the situation. It's his birthday afterall. Let him sleep in.
5:51 A.M. - LMQ tiptoes out of bed and checks the neighboring castles for light. She notices that the village seems unusually dark as well. She tiptoes toward the 'Den
5:52 A.M. - En route to the 'Den of Seclusion' LMQ steps on His Royal Highness Ollie's tail and stumbles.
5:53 A.M. - LMQ continues down the hall cursing HRH Ollie as she goes.
5:54 A.M. - LMQ wakes the snoring LMK. He sits straight up in bed exclaiming, "What? What's wrong?"
5:57 A.M. - After briefing LMK on the situation, LMQ is sent back to bed where it is warm and she won't trip over something.
5:58 A.M. - On her way back to bed, LMQ trips over HRH Ollie yet again. She shakes her fist in his general direction before crawling back into bed. LMK is checking the windows to see if other castles are without power.
5:59 A.M. - LMK proceeds carefully down the slippery steps he slipped down over the weekend, while LMQ holds her breath and waits for the sound of him bouncing down the steps.
6:00 A.M. - LMK locates a working flashlight and brings a lighter back upstairs to LMQ. He lights a candle so she has some light in the bedroom. Then, LMK peers out the window uptoward The School to see if they have power. They may not have snow days, but what will they do with no electricity.
6:03 A.M. - LMK confirms that there are no lights at The School and that he starting to see some flashlights bobbing around.
6:10 A.M. - After several minutes of discussion, LMK decides to attempt to shower and get ready for work. After he is dressed in work attire he will walk up to work and see what is going on. He shall report status back to LMQ.
6:34 A.M. - LMK leaves for work. On his way, he takes out the trash. Good LMK.
6:55 A.M. - LMK returns and reports that it must be a county-wide blackout as colleagues from the country are reporting no electricity too. He decides to get something to read and return to the school to see what is going to happen for the day.
6:57 A.M. - LMQ can't help lying in bed thinking, "If I'm going to be in a house with no heat, I should really just stay in bed where it's warm. However, if it's going to get cold, I should really put the flannel sheets on the bed."
6:58 A.M. - LMQ ponders getting out of bed to change the sheets.
6:59 A.M. - LMQ snorts at the thought of getting out of her warm bed.
7:00 A.M. - LMK gets ready to head back to the school. Before he leaves, LMQ calls him into the bedroom for one last message. "Happy Birthday, honey."
Happy birthday.
NoVA Observations
#8 - Kids love these Heely things.
I had never seen a pair of these shoes until we moved to NoVA. Now, they're everywhere! I'd like to think that we didn't live in the middle of nowhere when we lived in Ohio. I mean, we could be in Cleveland in under an hour and Columbus in under 3.
Is it me, or are these shoes just the epitome of laziness? You're too lazy to WALK so you roll around on roller shoes. Seriously, you've got to be kidding me.
Evidently, I'm not the only one annoyed by these shoes. Signs are also popping up in all the store windows, "For the safety of our customers, please do not use Heely's in our store."
Check out observations #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, and #7.
Long time readers will remember the fuel oil saga from when LMK and I moved into the new house.
After the new year, we went down to the company to get into the system and establish a budget plan. We discussed the situation with the new accounts woman and decided that instead of beginning the budget plan in January (halfway through their year) and having to pay for a year's worth of oil service in 3 months, over $300 a month, we would hold off on oil delivery until their new budget year started and go from there. She said we should be fine for the rest of the winter and to call if we needed more oil. Fine with me.
Imagine our surprise last week, when the school received a bill for a fuel oil delivery at our house. Um...exsqueeze me? Evidently, the company delivered fuel oil on the only weekday all month where I have been out of the house. Doesn't it just figure. After some calling around we discovered that is has something to do with the school and that these monthly deliveries will continue unless the school tell them not to come. Well...goody! Fine, it's a $150 bill we weren't expecting every month, but I won't have to worry about us running out of heat. We'll survive.
Crisis averted.
Hahaha! Fate, you evil bitch, you were just messing with me, weren't you?
Yesterday morning, I went down to check the mail. I saw a piece of paper stuck into our door. "Interesting," I thought as I pulled it out of the door, "I wonder who is selling what."
No one was selling anything. It was a bill. A bill for a fuel oil delivery.
FROM A DIFFERENT COMPANY!
For more than the last bill! After the lightheadedness passed, I started noticing other things. Like they put in almost 15 gallons more than the company that filled it up on the 18th and that the customer name was not mine, nor was the address. We're in the process of getting it handled...but I'm thinking we've got ANOTHER oil bill to pay.
Never a dull moment, `round here. Never.
Have you heard the urban legend about the poison dress? I saw Elizabeth where one of her ladies in waiting dies from a dress meant for her.
When we moved into the new house, LMK's mom brought their old sheets for us. They just redid their bedroom and the sheets don't fit their bed anymore. She always gets really expensive sheets with high thread counts. Me, I'm a cheap sheet kinda gal. The cheaper, the better. Anyway, she made our bed with their old sheets when we moved in. We've just been using those sheets. I've washed them several times and just put them back on our bed.
However, I think she's brainwashing/poisoning me with these sheets!
Because last night, I found myself in the basement, IRONING SHEETS!
I hate ironing. I don't iron unless I have to and by have to, I mean gun-to-my-head, have to.
I must admit, I've been anti-Rach.ael R.ay. Everythis is JUST! SO! WONDERFUL!
Gag.
Anyway, I put her obnoxiousness aside last week and watched a show where she made a Reuben Loaf. I love reubens and I've been dying for a good one! After watching, I found myself thinking, I could totally make that. The only problem was LMK doesn't like saurkraut and there isn't really a way to make half the loaf sans-kraut. Then it occured to me that I could just make two mini-loaves instead of one big loaf. I didn't go all out and make her special "slaw" and dressing, but I just made a regular old reuben.
It worked out wonderfully! Not only were the reuben loaves delicious, there was enough for us to have it for two nights. Go us!
Last night, I stuck the half loaves in the oven for about 15 minutes at 350. They were even better than the first night. Mmmm...crusty bread. This recipe is definitely a keeper!
It occurs to me that I haven't really talked much about LMK's new job. I haven't mentioned the irony in my engineer turned soccer coach husband getting a teaching job before me - you know, the one with an actual degree...IN TEACHING! But that's another story...
First, I love, love, love the school. Love it. Everyone who works there has been so helpful and kind. I hear all the time, "The School is just like a big family, we look out for one another." This is definitely an environment where I can thrive. We've attended three basketball games (2 high school, 1 middle) and have seen the head of the school and his wife at 2 of them. I'm kind of looking forward to football and soccer games in the fall. Wait...did I mention girl's soccer is a spring sport around here? Games start around the first of March. It better be warmer here than in Ohio in March, otherwise, I'm gonna freeze!
Right now, it looks like LMK will be the assistant girl's coach this spring. Then starting in the new school year, he will switch with the boy's head coach - assist for the boy's team in the fall and be the head coach of the girl's in the spring. (Make sense?) It's not exactly what we were hoping for, but it's still coaching and he is thrilled.
All along, I've been extremely lucky to have a husband that, while he didn't always "get" teaching, he didn't belittle it. He knows what a tough job it is. Afterall, the man had a teacher mother. My mom and I would come home with hilarious (to everyone but those who had lived them) "school stories" to tell at dinner. The summer he worked at The Club, he got yet another taste of teaching. Believe me, the stories he came home with were hilarious - to us. Since living with not only his teacher mother, but also living with me near my teacher mother he's learned a lot, second hand, about teaching.
But sometimes, I forget that he has no formal teacher training. I assume he knows certain things about teaching - and you know what happens when you assume. For example:
He decided that the semester final should not hurt his students' grades. They've had a rough semester (more teachers than quarters) and most of them are really worried about their grades. He cleared his idea with the academic dean and proceeded to administer his tests. However, his one mistake was showing students who had taken the test early in the week their grade (with the exam not hurting their grade). Word spread like wildfire and by the third day of exams, he had kids not bothering to complete most of their test because they knew it wouldn't affect their grade. They sat in the back of the class and goofed off. Seriously, if you work two hours on a test - complete only a few problems and get a 30% (with a 9 percentage point curve) there is something wrong.
Teacher Lesson Learned: If you're going to be a nice guy, wait until everyone has finished the exam to let them know you're being a nice guy. Otherwise, they take advantage.
As for classes, I don't understand 99% of what he's teaching. He's basically teaching the math that he helped me squeak through at Tech. So, I know he knows what he's talking about. I've been the student. Now, if only I could get a teaching job, we'd be set.
I do believe I've topped this summer's *duh, Erin* comment*.
Today, LMK hands me his copy of the evening duty calendar. I immediately started scanning the boxes for the days he is on duty, since I know I won't see him until 9PM those nights. So, on one of the days he has duty, it says:
Scott **
Smith **
Before I can stop myself, I say to LMK, "why do they have your name down as Scott?"
(pause, while LMK starts laughing)
"Oh....you and Ms. Scott have duty on that day. Got it."
Mental head slap.
* This summer, I was looking over the camp roster that LMK got when he was working the soccer camp for The College. It had the coach's name, then the kid's information. Before I could stop myself, I said, "Boy there sure are a lot of (LMK's first name)'s at this camp."
He's still laughing about that one.
** Names changed to protect the innocent.
Is it important to be amused by the little things, thus entertained frequently throughout life or is it better to only laugh at "really funny things"? Is it good to be amused by the little things? I don't know.
However, I'm incredibly entertained by our "new" (to us) refrigerator. I feel like I've seen a number of fridges in my day, but NONE with the handy dandy door within a door.
Right now, we're putting drinks in that compartment because it's really easy to reach in and grab a bottle of water instead of a can of pop.
Go to my flickr page to see what magnets I have on the fridge.
After LMK was diagnosed with a mental illness, I spent a lot of time learning about the different types of illnesses people deal with every day. There are the "classics" like OCD and d.epression, but there are also less spoken about illnesses like sc.hizophrenia, borderline pe.rsonality disorder, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress syndrome).
To date, I have not experienced much mental illness. I have bouts of depression, like most folks, but for the most part - I am lucky. However, after the incident with the rat a little over a week ago I began to experience some PTPSD symptoms.
Three symptoms of PTSD are:
- Re-living the event - Sometimes, if I close my eyes, I can see the whole scene play out again. I can see the thin tail that looked snake-like, until I realized what it was.
- Avoiding reminders - This one was tricky. Since I have a bladder the size a pea, avoiding the "scene of the crime" was incredibly difficult. I found myself running upstairs instead of going back to the downstairs bathroom.
- Being on guard - This one was the more difficult. Most women know what a "hover-er" is. I have never been a hover-er. Now? I perch on my own toilet seat...terrified that a rat is going to sneak up
behind...beneath...belowon me and bite my tush. I mean, my mother always said, "if you see one mouse, you can bet he has 9 more friends." So logically, I've got 9 more rats to find before I can safely pee in peace.
* Post Traumatic Potty Stress Disorder
I've heard several people talk about trips to C.ostCo. I've never nearby one. We've always had the other club place nearby.
So, to all you expert shoppers, is the $50 membership going to be worth it for our small family of 2?
We don't have a lot of fridge or freezer space (we had a huge stand alone freezer in Ohio), but we have a good size fridge and freezer. Should we hold off a while before getting a membership? Would getting one now save us money?
What do YOU think?
P.S. Gotta love this...
P.P.S. When did this start? I went to one game while at Tech - one when we used to suck. It was nothing like this. I get goose bumps every time I watch this. How long `til football season? Now I want to go to a game!
NoVA Observation
#7 - Evidently, no shoes and no shirt are a problem `round here.
Everywhere I go there are BIG, BOLD signs proclaiming "No shoes, no shirt, no service." They are not old signs with peeling paint or letters. They're new signs and usually prominently displayed. In Ohio, it's a rule but I can't remember seeing a sign for it in the last few years. It's not on the doors of the Target or the grocery stores we used frequently.
Check out observations #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, and #6.
NoVA Observation
#6 - When people say "soda", they actually are talking about "pop".
This isn't really shocking to me, but I had forgotten about this little tidbit since my time at Tech. Head Coach calls everything "soda" (in a great Boston accent) and it makes me giggle every time. This change in lingo doesn't usually cause a giggle fit these days, but it did cause me to spend several minutes at the grocery store last night searching the store directory for the pop aisle. By the time I got to the S's it occured to me that I wanted the soda aisle, not the pop aisle.
Duh.
Check out observations #1, #2, #3, #4, and #5.
#5 - My days of ordering unsweetened ice tea at restaurants are over.
First, most of the fast food joints don't have unsweetened tea. They all say "Sweet" on them. What!?
I love iced tea, however I do not like sweetened iced tea. We grew up drinking unsweet tea and water. We seldom had pop in the house and we never had Kool-Aid. Therefore, I don't care for Kool-Aid (but pop is a whole other issue). Even now, when I am in a restaurant (both times) and I order unsweetened ice tea the waitresses look at me like I'm crazy and generally have to go see if they have the stuff. Oy vey.
Check out observations #1, #2, #3, and #4.
Ollie had a little porch party Saturday evening. LMK told me about a huge black and white persian he'd seen around our house one morning last week. We've counted about 6 different cats that walk through our yard throughout the day, but I hadn't seen this persian. Seeing as I LOVEpersians, LMK was excited to tell me about this new one that looked like Ollie with Socks' colors.
Well Saturday evening we were watching a movie and I looked out the sliding glass door to see none other than the black and white persian sitting at our window. Ollie was sleeping next to me so I gently put him down on the floor and nudged him toward the window. First, I got the typical crabby face...but then he spotted his new friend. Pretty soon, all we could see was Ollie cat butt.
I couldn't use my flash, so the pictures are blurry, but you get the idea. That is one pretty cat!
The Good
LMK and I went to Large City on Saturday to celebrate his first week of work with dinner at Olive Garden.
Ok. Okay, I'll be honest. We were celebrating, but I wanted to go to Olive Garden, not him. He's a good sport though. The OG in Large City must be new. It's totally different than any I've ever been in before and let me tell you, I've hit a LOT.
It didn't have the rolling chairs with the arms that I hate. It had high vaulted ceilings and a fire place! It was gorgeous! And the food? Superb!
The Great
Then we came home and let the boys out into the sun porch. They had a ball - once the big scaredy cats actually went outside. I can't wait for spring/summer so we can sit out there and enjoy the evening. I'm already planning flowers in my head. ME! Flowers!
The Ew!
We've been having some drainage problems, but since the maintenence men have been here things have been pretty uneventful. After we had gotten everyone inside off the porch, I decided I needed to piddle. So off I went to the downstairs bathroom. As I walked in, I noticed something in the toilet. My first thought was, "great, what did the cats knock into the toilet." Then the "object" registered. It was a rat. A rat!
Ewewewewewewewewew
LMK swears it was dead - at least, I think that's what he was saying as I ran screaming up the stairs with Ollie leading the way.
I pride myself on not being a girly girl. I don't like snakes, but I can handle seeing them. Mice don't bother me either - Hokie loves to catch mice. Spiders? I don't like to crunch them but I'm pretty big and bad when I have a vacuum in my hands.
Rats however, nah uh. No way, no how.
Note to self: If you don't want to run into LMK's students in town, DO NOT go into town on a Friday night. Good gravy!
It's quite weird hearing kids calling him sir. I love it. Mwahahahaha.
Also, I might have forgot to mention yesterday that I have my FIRST Virginia job interview on Thursday. I know I've said this a lot lately, but - "Fingers crossed!"
One last thing, I finally found one of my favorite episodes of Friends on YouTube. Unfortunately the cut the end right in the middle of the best part.
I always end up singing, "Mornings hereeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" for days after I see it.
So the basketball games weren't that bad. Of course, I remember now why I don't care for basketball.
#1 - There's nothing to cheer about. Ideally, one team scores then bam, the other team scores. In sports like soccer, scoring doesn't happen all that often.
Well, except for that one game last season, remember that one, LMK?
#2 - Squeaky shoes. Oh, how I hate squeaky shoes. And please, tell me why some players insist on licking their hands and wiping off the bottom of their shoes. EWW! I don't care if you're able to stick to the ceiling after you've done that - it's gross!
We...well, I also met several of LMK's colleagues/big wig's at the school. Everyone was incredibly nice and friendly. It really does feel like a huge extended family. Personally, I really like a working environment like that. Yes, families have squabbles from time to time, but for the most part, everyone pulls together and takes care of one another. That's how I was raised and I do well in that type of environment. It was definitely NOT the type of working environment LMK and Head Coach had/have at The College. I think even LMK would agree while we miss the girls and Head Coach, we do not miss the working environment.
This afternoon I'm running my application to the town schools. I'm hoping to finish the year out at least subbing (long term subbing would be even better) and then get something permanent for next year. Whether it be here a in Larger City. I'm almost leaning toward Larger City with it's half hour commute because they're getting a new elementary school and I'd LOVE to work in a new school.
We'll see!
P.S. Did everyone see that David Beckham has signed with the L.A. Galaxy, a MLS team? Hopefully this will jumpstart soccer in the U.S. Common........Women's MLS!
Well, I've avoided it for two weeks. Today my time hiding from LMK's new colleagues and students is over. Tonight there are basketball games and since going to these things is part of LMK's job, I'm tagging along too. Oh boy.
Honestly, I'm not totally dreading it. Everyone that we've met has been really nice and friendly. Is it wrong that part of me is just waiting for our new-ness to wear off and for them to get not nice and friendly? I mean, seriously, this job and working environment HAS to be too good to be true. Great things like this just don't happen to us. Our lives for the past few years have done but teach me that.
Oh well, I'm going to embrace this new opportunity as a positive one for as long as I can. Otherwise, I'm just a Negative Nellie and who wants to be known as that?
Wish me luck!
I really should not watch this while I'm hungry. It doesn't help that they replay all the episodes on Wednesday's before the new episode.
Lots of the things that they make I know I wouldn't like, but some of them sound so good. I've even gone and downloaded some of the recipes.
I'm thinking since money is tight for a while that instead of planning all these elaborate meals, I will try one new recipe a week. I think that's fair. It lets me feel creative while not breaking the budget.
Suggestions for next week's new recipe?
The woman that LMK replaced also lived in this house before we did.
So far, I'm not impressed. I won't even consider her teaching "style" (if you can call passing out worksheets and not actually teaching a style).
First, she told the administration that she had just filled the oil heat tank at the cost of $300. When we arrived it was in the 40s so we kept turning up the heat. Finally, when we were all shivering we called maintenence. The head maintenence man (HMM) came out and discovered we had no heat. As in, there was no oil in our tank.
Greeeeeeeeeeeat.
HMM called the oil company that the school uses (all the building's heating systems are oil based) and they informed him that it was against policy to bring us oil after closing time (5 pm). HMM then called the president of the school.
Bet me we had heat within 45 minutes. I love the president of the school - he seems so nice.
Also, since we've moved in we've had issues with the utility sink in the basement. When I do laundry it drains really slowly (filling all the way up sometimes). Same when we use the dishwasher, flush the downstairs toilet, and new today - shower. LMK put in a work order and the maintenence men showed up today. According to them they snaked 100 feet of.....stuff out of our lines into the main sewer line. All I can say, is ew. Not only that...the basement smells.
Awful.
LMK doesn't know it yet, but we're going out to dinner. I can't eat in this house if it smells like...well...you know. Plus, it will give the place a chance to air out (once I open a window, which I plan to do). Also, must buy Febreeze and 10 gallons of Chlorox.
NoVA Observation
#4 - When that light turns green, you better move your ass through the light - NOW!
Never in my life have I heard so much honking! If you aren't moving through the light, you better believe someone is going to bring it to your attention. RIGHT NOW!
That being said, I've never seen so many STUPID drivers especially ones talking on their cell phones while driving. I now remember LMK and I saying NoVA drivers were insance while we were at Tech. Half of the people who get honked at are yammering on their cell phones and distracted from driving. Of course, it makes me very anxious at stop lights because I want to jam my foot on the gas as soon as the light turns green. So far, no one has honked at me, but it's only a matter of time. At that time it will take everything I've got to flip them the bird.
Sorry Mom, it's an instinct.
Check out observations #1, #2, and #3.
Woohoo! It's National De-Lurking Week again. So if you're out there, lemme know - I'd love to come read you if I don't already.
Thanks to Cyli for letting me know!
#3 - People take their dogs everywhere.
Don't get me wrong, people did this in Ohio. However, I have now seen several dogs tied to benches or poles outside public buildings waiting for their masters. Seriously, couldn't Fluffy stay home while you get those few things you need from Big Lots? Wouldn't Fluffy be happier at home, or even in the car?
I always feel sorry for the dogs waiting pathetically for their masters. They always look so sad.
Check out observations #1 and #2.
#2 - Ladies and gentlemen, I've found Marlboro Country.
Maybe the new "Smoke Free Ohio" law spoiled me before we left, but smoker's are everywhere down here!
They're smoking in their car in the parking lot, they're smoking as they walk up to stores, they're plotting ways to sneak smoke breaks after they make my lunch, they're smoking outside the store before they go in, and they're lighting up before they even fully exit a building. I'm shocked that all of Northern Virginia isn't covered by the haze of cigarette smoke.
Haven't you heard, people? Smoking is no longer cool. Please stop. My lungs thank you.
See observation #1.
#1 - Fellow Hokie sightings are no longer few and far between. Hokies are everywhere!
For the first few days after we arrived, I would excitedly grab Lawn Mower King's arm and exclaim, "Look! A Hokie!" Just as I had done while we lived in Northeast Ohio. Then he would patiently remind me that we are in Virginia now and Hokies are everywhere.
Hmm... good point.
Where to begin? I don't have very many interesting moving stories, so I suppose I will start with the one I think is best.
Socks is our baby. We got him the summer after we moved to Ohio. He was a barn cat rescue and had always lived at the farm. Hokie and Ollie have moved several times and are somewhat used to it. They don't like it, but they adjust quickly.
So we packed the cats up in their carriers, put them in the car, and took off for Virginia. They were very good on the 6 hour trip down. Socks mewed pitifully several times, but he seemed to settle down and go to sleep. We arrived at our new home uneventfully (thank goodness).
Before we unpacked we brought the boys into the downstairs bathroom and closed the door. The door doesn't latch from the outside so we didn't let them out of the carriers quite yet. For the next two and a half hours we unpacked the truck. Finally, we had enough and decided to stop for the night. Lawn Mower King got a little box and some food and water set up and we opened the doors to the carriers. Hokie shot out to investigate - slinking around corners and generally being nosey (he's just like me). Ollie took a few minutes to actually get out of the carrier, but soon he was off investigating too.
Socks wasn't coming out of his carrier. No way. No how. Everyone can kiss his hairy butt.
Finally at 11 o'clock at night, I forced him out of the carrier and he took off to find somewhere new to hide.
In the morning we had a few more things to unpack so I went into the bathroom with the boys and shut the door. They were still pretty skittish so I opened the cupboard doors for them to explore. Socks spent the rest of the day under the sink in the bathroom. He was not amused by this moving stuff.
Don't worry though. He's adjusting quite well. He's found out that there are squirrels that will laugh at him here as well as in Ohio. And did we mention there are D-O-Gs next door? We must keep an eye on them.
Oh thank you, Lord.
I thought I was going to go off the deep end.
Modem mailed late, but arrived today! I'm back.
We're moved in and virtually unpacked. The cats are adjusting, even poor Socks, who was severely traumatized by the move.
I'm off to catch up with all of you. You've been busy!
Stories to come! I'm missed you all.
P.S. Hi Mom!
Instead of a true New Year's resolutions, I've decided to challenge myself to read 52 books this year.
That really doesn't sound too hard since I love to read and have a book with me at all times. I'm fully expecting this statement to come back and bite me in the tush. Sometimes I go through periods where I don't want to read and therefore, don't. Plus, with the hopes of starting a new job in a new area, I could be otherwise occupied. I am limiting this list of books to actual novels. Chick lit, teen lit, whatever - but no H.arlequin romance novels. The book must have at least 200 pages (I'm trying to stick to this rule). Drat.
We'll see just how attainable this goal is.
I will keep track of the books I've read here as well as on the sidebar of my blog.
To view my current list of books visit me here.