I'm glad that week is over. Just a little chaotic for my taste.
A wise man once asked me, "you aren't comfortable with change, are you?" No, I'm not, but I think in this case, it is good for me. Being comfortable with routine can be doublespeak (remember 1984?) for stuck in a rut!
Sadie is doing fine now. She will always have separation anxiety, but she is much better than she used to be. I have been putting the trash can in the sink to keep it out of her reach. Dan emailed me with some great advise, but I already do it. :) He said that having a clear opening to the window so she could see me coming and going would help. I keep the window clear for the cats to watch the birds and squirrels. Sadie likes it too. However, since I put the clear plastic insulating stuff up, some other problems have come into play.
The squirrels sit in the window box outside the window and torment Sadie. She can maintain for a little while, but she gets all excited and tears holes in the plastic! You would not believe the breeze that comes through that 6" hole! I was cutting new plastic patches to cover the holes, but it would take about 30-40 minutes to cut the patch and add new double sided tape to the plastic around the hole. After about the 3rd time, I started using duct tape. Unsightly, but much easier, and we can still see outside without much trouble.
I don't care what anyone says, duct tape is not just a guy thing! I love the stuff. I used it to hold in a headlight in grandma's Lumina for 2 years. Guys are better at duct tape repair, I will give them that. When my dad would tape in the headlight, it would last 3 or 4 times longer than when I did it.
I have spent most of today sleeping. Even if change is good for me, I am still exhausted from the anxiety of running from place to place and a change in routine. I will adapt, it will work out.
I am off to knit some fingerless mittens for work, watch Napoleon Dynamite(never watched it before), and let Sadie out.
Go Steelers!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tears for Fears
Tonight I cried.
Don't worry, they were tears of exhaustion and relief.
Yeah, I'm tired and the NJ it is getting better every day. I am settling in and getting used to the 9 hour days and becoming part of the team. However, Sadie is still making messes and she peed on the carpet today. She pillaged and plundered and ate too many hi-sodium treats yesterday and drank 3 bowls of water...it had to go somewhere. Maybe it is more appropriate to say that she "piddled" and plundered today.
Since it was so warm today, I took her for a walk around the block as soon as I got home. The sun was shining and the balmy breeze about froze my ears off. Hey, it was 20 degrees warmer at 5pm than it was at 7am. Its all relative.
The relief was because I finally won my battle with the credit card company.
Originally uploaded by Bruce Sutherland
I had a good day so I decided to push my luck. I needed to call the company anyway. There was a forty one dollar increase in the amount due this month than last month. I had gone online and tried to find out if they had tacked on another late charge somewhere and couldn't find one, so I had to call to find out what was the reason for the big difference. My first sign of hope...I got someone that could understand English and made some sense. After he explained the differences, he actually took the time to look at the days I scheduled payments and tracked that they were all credited the day after I scheduled them to be paid.
Then something amazing happened...he suggested I talk to an account manager and discuss a reduction in my interest rate. He said he would explain it to the manager before I talked to her so I wouldn't have to explain it all again. When the very American sounding woman picked up the phone and introduced herself, she was already cutting the percentage rate in half effective immediately. I started crying as soon as I hung up. That's when I realized how much it had been hanging over me. The stress, worry, and feeling powerless. What a huge victory for me!
Things may be looking up!
Tomorrow is the Twisted One's birthday - drop her a line on Facebook or go to her blog, I noticed she updated it and I am off to go read it now.
Don't worry, they were tears of exhaustion and relief.
Yeah, I'm tired and the NJ it is getting better every day. I am settling in and getting used to the 9 hour days and becoming part of the team. However, Sadie is still making messes and she peed on the carpet today. She pillaged and plundered and ate too many hi-sodium treats yesterday and drank 3 bowls of water...it had to go somewhere. Maybe it is more appropriate to say that she "piddled" and plundered today.
Since it was so warm today, I took her for a walk around the block as soon as I got home. The sun was shining and the balmy breeze about froze my ears off. Hey, it was 20 degrees warmer at 5pm than it was at 7am. Its all relative.
The relief was because I finally won my battle with the credit card company.
Originally uploaded by Bruce Sutherland
I had a good day so I decided to push my luck. I needed to call the company anyway. There was a forty one dollar increase in the amount due this month than last month. I had gone online and tried to find out if they had tacked on another late charge somewhere and couldn't find one, so I had to call to find out what was the reason for the big difference. My first sign of hope...I got someone that could understand English and made some sense. After he explained the differences, he actually took the time to look at the days I scheduled payments and tracked that they were all credited the day after I scheduled them to be paid.
Then something amazing happened...he suggested I talk to an account manager and discuss a reduction in my interest rate. He said he would explain it to the manager before I talked to her so I wouldn't have to explain it all again. When the very American sounding woman picked up the phone and introduced herself, she was already cutting the percentage rate in half effective immediately. I started crying as soon as I hung up. That's when I realized how much it had been hanging over me. The stress, worry, and feeling powerless. What a huge victory for me!
Things may be looking up!
Tomorrow is the Twisted One's birthday - drop her a line on Facebook or go to her blog, I noticed she updated it and I am off to go read it now.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Day 2
I enjoyed my day today at both jobs. It is a little hard having only 3 hours because I just get into something and then I have to start watching the clock so I don't leave late. Right before I left for the new job (NJ) I had to set up a videoconference with two other sites. I love doing this. I am training my boss and a co-worker the ropes of setting them up, so I was walking them through it while also helping a contractor to set up our DirecTV for the classrooms. I wrapped it all up and was out the door at 10:05 and still made it to the NJ with time to spare.
My new boss had a bad visit to the dentist and couldn't get back to work. I had plenty to do and even tried covering for someone else that didn't come in. It was very quiet and I was able to finish up almost all my assignments and started in on some of the many tutorials I will have to go through to familiarize me with software and what I need to know to support their instructors in online learning. I also had a chance today to relax a bit more and visit with some of my co-workers. I am able to learn more about the department and the college in general. Tomorrow is my NB's birthday and she is turning 40. I am not sure she is going to be well enough to make it to work, but we are having pizza from Dally's (yumm) to celebrate. This will be another chance to learn about my co-workers....yeah, socialize. Something foreign to me! I am a bit rusty.
My new boss had a bad visit to the dentist and couldn't get back to work. I had plenty to do and even tried covering for someone else that didn't come in. It was very quiet and I was able to finish up almost all my assignments and started in on some of the many tutorials I will have to go through to familiarize me with software and what I need to know to support their instructors in online learning. I also had a chance today to relax a bit more and visit with some of my co-workers. I am able to learn more about the department and the college in general. Tomorrow is my NB's birthday and she is turning 40. I am not sure she is going to be well enough to make it to work, but we are having pizza from Dally's (yumm) to celebrate. This will be another chance to learn about my co-workers....yeah, socialize. Something foreign to me! I am a bit rusty.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Day 1
I was pretty nervous when I left my morning employer to hustle to my new employer at 10am this morning. I made it 10 minutes early but everyone was wondering what took me so long to get there! Apparently, my new boss (NB) was overly optimistic on my arrival time and thought I was supposed to be there at 10! We clarified it later, it was 10:30! Whew, I was NOT late my first day.
We spent the morning going over department structure and what I will be doing. It is a tech department so there is a help desk, media services, network guys and more. I know everyone already, but not necessarily what they do. Knowing everyone definitely helps!
I am in the online learning subgroup. I will basically be expanding on what I was trying to do with the K-12 schools with online learning. Finding software, resources, and media to facilitate online learning for instructors and students (that is hard to boil down to one sentence and is in no way all there is to it). Also doing some of the online administrative support and assisting my NB with training sessions.
By afternoon, I was plugging away verifying student drops and adds for the classes, setting up my new email client, poking around in MS Office 2007 (totally different than 2003!), and we even made a trip down to the bookstore to pick up supplies for my cubbie. I couldn't believe it when the next time I looked, it was 4:15!
I was worried about leaving Sadie all day so I went straight home. It is a much longer day than usual now (2 hours). I need not have worried, she found plenty of things to do while I was gone all day! The garbage was tipped over (that's the cat) and the tiny bit of garbage it contained was on the kitchen floor (now that part is Sadie).
Also, I left a large tote bag on the floor Saturday afternoon after camp. She dug into that, found 2 separate bags of treats, tore up the bags, left them in pieces all over the living room floor and ate the treats. There was a peanut snack bar for me in there, but she ate that and scattered the foil wrapper all over the living room. And there was clumps of cat hair all over the living room. I just vacuumed yesterday! Sadie had entertained herself by nit picking at the cat until he would chase her. She nit picks by pulling his neck fur until he gets worked up enough to chase her. So yeah, I shouldn't worry about Sadie finding ways to entertain herself while I bring home the bacon.
If it happens again, I will try to take a photo, but don't hold out too much hope. I am usually in a hurry to clean it up so I can sit down and relax.
Overall, a very good day. I am tired, but a good tired. I am still ready for more! Okay, not right now, but in the morning, I will be ready for more. :)
We spent the morning going over department structure and what I will be doing. It is a tech department so there is a help desk, media services, network guys and more. I know everyone already, but not necessarily what they do. Knowing everyone definitely helps!
I am in the online learning subgroup. I will basically be expanding on what I was trying to do with the K-12 schools with online learning. Finding software, resources, and media to facilitate online learning for instructors and students (that is hard to boil down to one sentence and is in no way all there is to it). Also doing some of the online administrative support and assisting my NB with training sessions.
By afternoon, I was plugging away verifying student drops and adds for the classes, setting up my new email client, poking around in MS Office 2007 (totally different than 2003!), and we even made a trip down to the bookstore to pick up supplies for my cubbie. I couldn't believe it when the next time I looked, it was 4:15!
I was worried about leaving Sadie all day so I went straight home. It is a much longer day than usual now (2 hours). I need not have worried, she found plenty of things to do while I was gone all day! The garbage was tipped over (that's the cat) and the tiny bit of garbage it contained was on the kitchen floor (now that part is Sadie).
Also, I left a large tote bag on the floor Saturday afternoon after camp. She dug into that, found 2 separate bags of treats, tore up the bags, left them in pieces all over the living room floor and ate the treats. There was a peanut snack bar for me in there, but she ate that and scattered the foil wrapper all over the living room. And there was clumps of cat hair all over the living room. I just vacuumed yesterday! Sadie had entertained herself by nit picking at the cat until he would chase her. She nit picks by pulling his neck fur until he gets worked up enough to chase her. So yeah, I shouldn't worry about Sadie finding ways to entertain herself while I bring home the bacon.
If it happens again, I will try to take a photo, but don't hold out too much hope. I am usually in a hurry to clean it up so I can sit down and relax.
Overall, a very good day. I am tired, but a good tired. I am still ready for more! Okay, not right now, but in the morning, I will be ready for more. :)
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Not Many Choices When You Live Up North
You don't have many choices when you live up north. There are the obvious things, shopping, eating out, significant others, jobs and services. I would like to address some of these things more in future postings. I need to pull the blog back into line again and talk more about life and limitations in the great white north.
Today I was concerned about one of those things, services. I will get to that on Sunday.
Friday
Friday was difficult. I went back to bed after I started my coffee to warm up while waiting and ended up falling asleep and overslept. I wasn't late, but I was still tired and grouchy because my usual routine was upset. But by the time I got to work, I realized it was more than that. I was so tired, I hurt. I really hurt, physically. My head hurt, arms, shoulders and hips. My usually enjoyable 2.5 hours dragged by. I visited with my parents for awhile, but I needed to get home and try and sleep. I was unable to sleep because of the pain. It wasn't extreme, I couldn't pin down the cause, but I was very uncomfortable. It was a long afternoon, evening and night. I think it was around 2am when I finally fell asleep. I am not sure, but it may have been a fibro thing. I did some research on it Saturday and it is common in more acute cases, but I have a mild form, so I still am not sure.
Saturday
Only to wake up to Sadie gifts to clean up. I was foggy but felt better. I briefly considered not going to the DSA Meeting, but Sadie only leaves gifts when she is frustrated and not getting enough exercise and I had not been out to camp in a very long time and really wanted to go meet all the new members. I put on 3 layers of clothes and headed out. (I got to wear my new long underwear, and yes, it helps!) It was a good chance to refresh my memory for training Sadie and a poignant reminder of how far she has come since I brought her home from the shelter. For that matter, how far I have come as a responsible dog owner! WE have come a long way.
During a break in the meeting, I took her outside for a run on one of the trails. I was suddenly startled by horse neighing close to the trail. Sadie loves horses, but has no sense around them. She was wound up but actually approached them cautiously. The three horses could care less about her, they wanted treats from me. Of course, I didn't have anything they wanted. It was wonderful to be able to scratch their necks, rub their noses and bury my fingers in their long winter coats. But it was cold and I needed to catch Sadie before going back to camp. I didn't want her to be loose and approach one of the new dogs, some were unfriendly, and I was unfamiliar with all of them. My newly refreshed lessons in responsible dog ownership told me it was best to play it safe.
We came home around seven and it was dark. I promptly drove in the driveway, missed the main track, and became stuck. Great, just great. I decided it was too cold and too dark to do anything about it that night and I would "think about it tomorrow" as Scarlet O'Hara is famous for saying. We went inside and spent the rest of the evening trying to warm back up and watching figure skating.
Sunday
I awoke early with the sun shining in my face through the blinds. I tried to be annoyed, but dang, we don't get to see much of the sun during the winter and precious little of it this winter especially. I opened the drapes, drank my coffee, and did some knitting while Sadie barked off
and on at my car sitting at the end of the driveway. Around 11am, I decided to go out there and rock the car out and put it in the carport. I didn't think it would take much. Thirty minutes later, I am sore and frustrated and the car hasn't moved an inch. I have traction control on the car - you can't rock the car with that on, so I had to disengage it. Then one tire wasn't even touching the ground. Carpets, blankets, boards, and cat litter were not working. I had cat litter mud on my coat too. I had to get the car unstuck - I start my "new job" tomorrow!
I knew I couldn't afford to call a tow truck, but that got me thinking, I wonder if my roadside assistance would cover this situation? I made the call and guess what? If the car is within 10 feet of the roadway and my driveway is cleared, it would cover it! So, if you are in an embarrassing situation because you are stuck at the end of your own dang driveway, it will pay for the tow truck. Good think I didn't make it another 5 feet!
This is where the service thing I mentioned before comes into play. Remember my irritation with the guy that came to jump my car when it wouldn't start a few weeks ago? Now why would I want him to come to my assistance again? I didn't want to deal with him face to face. So I asked the really nice, American speaking, polite lady if I could request that this specific man NOT be called to respond. She said there was no guarantee, but she would try. The terms of roadside assistance require it be a contractor within 20 miles. There are not a lot of choices within 20 miles. I could think of a couple other towing companies in town, but didn't think they were contracted with GM for roadside assistance. The GM Roadside Assistance automated phone system called me back a few minutes later and tells me that someone from Houghton Lake would be coming to my rescue within 30 minutes. And it called me again in 20 minutes to tell me that they would be there in 10 minutes. :)
They arrived on time and one guy got behind the wheel and the other guy pushed the car backwards and they had it taken care of faster than filling out the paperwork took. Again, I am embarrassed. But the guy said this had been happening frequently and not to feel bad. So I got over it. But I was thinking it was a good thing there were two of them. If the other guy had come, he probably would have asked me to push. lol
And yes, tomorrow is my first day out at the college! I am completely excited about this now and really looking forward to it. I will try to post the first day experience tomorrow. Right now, I am off to Facebook to see what everyone has been doing today.
Today I was concerned about one of those things, services. I will get to that on Sunday.
Friday
Friday was difficult. I went back to bed after I started my coffee to warm up while waiting and ended up falling asleep and overslept. I wasn't late, but I was still tired and grouchy because my usual routine was upset. But by the time I got to work, I realized it was more than that. I was so tired, I hurt. I really hurt, physically. My head hurt, arms, shoulders and hips. My usually enjoyable 2.5 hours dragged by. I visited with my parents for awhile, but I needed to get home and try and sleep. I was unable to sleep because of the pain. It wasn't extreme, I couldn't pin down the cause, but I was very uncomfortable. It was a long afternoon, evening and night. I think it was around 2am when I finally fell asleep. I am not sure, but it may have been a fibro thing. I did some research on it Saturday and it is common in more acute cases, but I have a mild form, so I still am not sure.
Saturday
Only to wake up to Sadie gifts to clean up. I was foggy but felt better. I briefly considered not going to the DSA Meeting, but Sadie only leaves gifts when she is frustrated and not getting enough exercise and I had not been out to camp in a very long time and really wanted to go meet all the new members. I put on 3 layers of clothes and headed out. (I got to wear my new long underwear, and yes, it helps!) It was a good chance to refresh my memory for training Sadie and a poignant reminder of how far she has come since I brought her home from the shelter. For that matter, how far I have come as a responsible dog owner! WE have come a long way.
During a break in the meeting, I took her outside for a run on one of the trails. I was suddenly startled by horse neighing close to the trail. Sadie loves horses, but has no sense around them. She was wound up but actually approached them cautiously. The three horses could care less about her, they wanted treats from me. Of course, I didn't have anything they wanted. It was wonderful to be able to scratch their necks, rub their noses and bury my fingers in their long winter coats. But it was cold and I needed to catch Sadie before going back to camp. I didn't want her to be loose and approach one of the new dogs, some were unfriendly, and I was unfamiliar with all of them. My newly refreshed lessons in responsible dog ownership told me it was best to play it safe.
We came home around seven and it was dark. I promptly drove in the driveway, missed the main track, and became stuck. Great, just great. I decided it was too cold and too dark to do anything about it that night and I would "think about it tomorrow" as Scarlet O'Hara is famous for saying. We went inside and spent the rest of the evening trying to warm back up and watching figure skating.
Sunday
I awoke early with the sun shining in my face through the blinds. I tried to be annoyed, but dang, we don't get to see much of the sun during the winter and precious little of it this winter especially. I opened the drapes, drank my coffee, and did some knitting while Sadie barked off
and on at my car sitting at the end of the driveway. Around 11am, I decided to go out there and rock the car out and put it in the carport. I didn't think it would take much. Thirty minutes later, I am sore and frustrated and the car hasn't moved an inch. I have traction control on the car - you can't rock the car with that on, so I had to disengage it. Then one tire wasn't even touching the ground. Carpets, blankets, boards, and cat litter were not working. I had cat litter mud on my coat too. I had to get the car unstuck - I start my "new job" tomorrow!I knew I couldn't afford to call a tow truck, but that got me thinking, I wonder if my roadside assistance would cover this situation? I made the call and guess what? If the car is within 10 feet of the roadway and my driveway is cleared, it would cover it! So, if you are in an embarrassing situation because you are stuck at the end of your own dang driveway, it will pay for the tow truck. Good think I didn't make it another 5 feet!
This is where the service thing I mentioned before comes into play. Remember my irritation with the guy that came to jump my car when it wouldn't start a few weeks ago? Now why would I want him to come to my assistance again? I didn't want to deal with him face to face. So I asked the really nice, American speaking, polite lady if I could request that this specific man NOT be called to respond. She said there was no guarantee, but she would try. The terms of roadside assistance require it be a contractor within 20 miles. There are not a lot of choices within 20 miles. I could think of a couple other towing companies in town, but didn't think they were contracted with GM for roadside assistance. The GM Roadside Assistance automated phone system called me back a few minutes later and tells me that someone from Houghton Lake would be coming to my rescue within 30 minutes. And it called me again in 20 minutes to tell me that they would be there in 10 minutes. :)
They arrived on time and one guy got behind the wheel and the other guy pushed the car backwards and they had it taken care of faster than filling out the paperwork took. Again, I am embarrassed. But the guy said this had been happening frequently and not to feel bad. So I got over it. But I was thinking it was a good thing there were two of them. If the other guy had come, he probably would have asked me to push. lol
And yes, tomorrow is my first day out at the college! I am completely excited about this now and really looking forward to it. I will try to post the first day experience tomorrow. Right now, I am off to Facebook to see what everyone has been doing today.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tuesday - Inauguration Day
It was -8 degrees in the carport this morning. It was painful to breathe even. One of the ladies I work with calls it "frozen booger weather".
It was a busy day at work and it passed quickly.
At noon I set up a live internet stream on a screen in our boardroom and everyone had lunch and watched a choppy and delayed inauguration speech. Before that it froze completely during Aretha and I can't say I was sorry about that. Apparently, the area internet stalled completely for a short time and was very slow after that. It may have been more far reaching than our area, but I haven't heard anything more about it.
I was just happy to see Bush get on that plane back to Texas. Hasta la vista.
I am almost done sewing up the penguin and thinking of other projects to do. I am going to start afghan that will use up my half used up balls of yarn.
It was a busy day at work and it passed quickly.
I was just happy to see Bush get on that plane back to Texas. Hasta la vista.
I am almost done sewing up the penguin and thinking of other projects to do. I am going to start afghan that will use up my half used up balls of yarn.
Monday, January 19, 2009
blistering heat and knit night
It was a blistering 22 degrees F when I left work and I got this crazy idea to take Sadie for a walk in the warm sunshine. I took her down to Marl Lake because I figured it would be frozen 
and safe. Sadie pretty much stayed on the trail so it wasn't really an issue. She plowed through the fresh power in the woods a few times but mostly she just ran and ran and ran on the uneven trail. You need to click on her photo to see how much she loves it - I mean just look at her! It was a little hard to walk on after shoeshoers and cross country skiers had been over the fresh snow from last weekend.
On the way home I stopped at the store and ran into one of my avid readers (wave) on his way home down state. It was a holiday today and lots of people had the day off. The garbage man came, but the mailman didn't. :)
I start my new position at the college next Monday. I will be working 10:30 - 4:30 M-Th and 7-11am on Friday before I teach. Instead of 30 total hours a week, I will be getting 40!
I have to go eat my dinner, it's knit night!
and safe. Sadie pretty much stayed on the trail so it wasn't really an issue. She plowed through the fresh power in the woods a few times but mostly she just ran and ran and ran on the uneven trail. You need to click on her photo to see how much she loves it - I mean just look at her! It was a little hard to walk on after shoeshoers and cross country skiers had been over the fresh snow from last weekend.On the way home I stopped at the store and ran into one of my avid readers (wave) on his way home down state. It was a holiday today and lots of people had the day off. The garbage man came, but the mailman didn't. :)
I start my new position at the college next Monday. I will be working 10:30 - 4:30 M-Th and 7-11am on Friday before I teach. Instead of 30 total hours a week, I will be getting 40!
I have to go eat my dinner, it's knit night!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Friday/Saturday
Friday - was a little busy, but I am beginning to unwind now that I have heard a definite start date. Now I am just getting pumped to start. I will get to learn more about online course development and structure. The college will be taking huge technology steps in the future that will be exciting for me to be a part of and learn about. I will be meeting new people on a campus environment that I am comfortable with and have established contacts and friends. But I will also get to work at my existing job and contribute what I learn at the college to my current position. And of course, more hours and therefore, an increase in income. Pinch me!
After class, errands, and a short visit with my parents, I had to run home and get ready for my massage. She pulled my records and I had not been there since September 2007. Truly a crime on my part. If you have never had a massage or think you are too shy to have one - THINK AGAIN. It is completely worth it. Your massage therapist is a complete professional and does everything to make you comfortable. Everything is covered, my MT adds moist heat to my feet and back, to keep you warm and comfortable. They only uncover the area they are working on. When I left, I felt like melting butter.
At home, I drank about 4 bottles of water to wash out the toxins. I made a promise to myself that I would set aside enough money each month to have a massage. It is very therapeutic for FM and my MT is very knowledgeable about trigger points, crunchies (lactic acid build up in the muscles), and relaxing and lengthening the muscles of FM patients.
Saturday, however, I was sore deep in my muscles. I woke up with a really bad headache, too. I thought it would go away after I got some coffee in me, but it didn't. I tried a shower, which helped the muscle soreness, but not the headache. I finally put my heating pad on my neck and shoulders and that alleviated most of the pain. I baked a pizza in my new toaster oven and ate that and now it is just a memory. :)
So, I didn't get much done today around the house. I was hoping to take down the tree, but that didn't happen. I did finish a pair of slippers and felted them in the washing machine. They are too small for me, so I may be shipping them to TX, unless mom or Cari takes them first. I also got quite a bit done on the penguin I'm knitting.
Of course, there was ANOTHER winter storm today - I don't even keep track of how much gets dumped anymore, but it was pretty deep when I ventured out after dark in my pajamas to get the mail with Sadie. She loves it! She was running all over the yard in the fresh snow, sending powder out on both sides of her with a big grin on her silly face. I was laughing and cheering her on (I love to watch her run, you can tell she loves it) and calling her Sadie Snow Plow. She would spin in front of me, I would kick snow at her and she would snort and spin around some more. I hardly noticed the cold. Who said that?
After class, errands, and a short visit with my parents, I had to run home and get ready for my massage. She pulled my records and I had not been there since September 2007. Truly a crime on my part. If you have never had a massage or think you are too shy to have one - THINK AGAIN. It is completely worth it. Your massage therapist is a complete professional and does everything to make you comfortable. Everything is covered, my MT adds moist heat to my feet and back, to keep you warm and comfortable. They only uncover the area they are working on. When I left, I felt like melting butter.
At home, I drank about 4 bottles of water to wash out the toxins. I made a promise to myself that I would set aside enough money each month to have a massage. It is very therapeutic for FM and my MT is very knowledgeable about trigger points, crunchies (lactic acid build up in the muscles), and relaxing and lengthening the muscles of FM patients.
Saturday, however, I was sore deep in my muscles. I woke up with a really bad headache, too. I thought it would go away after I got some coffee in me, but it didn't. I tried a shower, which helped the muscle soreness, but not the headache. I finally put my heating pad on my neck and shoulders and that alleviated most of the pain. I baked a pizza in my new toaster oven and ate that and now it is just a memory. :)
So, I didn't get much done today around the house. I was hoping to take down the tree, but that didn't happen. I did finish a pair of slippers and felted them in the washing machine. They are too small for me, so I may be shipping them to TX, unless mom or Cari takes them first. I also got quite a bit done on the penguin I'm knitting.Of course, there was ANOTHER winter storm today - I don't even keep track of how much gets dumped anymore, but it was pretty deep when I ventured out after dark in my pajamas to get the mail with Sadie. She loves it! She was running all over the yard in the fresh snow, sending powder out on both sides of her with a big grin on her silly face. I was laughing and cheering her on (I love to watch her run, you can tell she loves it) and calling her Sadie Snow Plow. She would spin in front of me, I would kick snow at her and she would snort and spin around some more. I hardly noticed the cold. Who said that?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
This Just In...
I found out less than a hour ago....I start on Jan 26!
(guess I better put that on my new calendar, eh?)
(guess I better put that on my new calendar, eh?)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Still no word
No, I still have not heard anything more about starting the other position.
The stress from last week put me into a fibro flair and my hands are the worst today. It is hard to type. Good news is that I have an appointment Friday afternoon for a massage. I received a gift certificate for Christmas. My mom called me before that to ask me what I wanted for Christmas and I was having a bad day so I begged for a massage gift certificate. Thanks mom and dad!
A little short today, but not much has happened.
It snowy, it's cold, but the sun has been out quite a bit the last few days. No heat, but it sure is bright! lol
The stress from last week put me into a fibro flair and my hands are the worst today. It is hard to type. Good news is that I have an appointment Friday afternoon for a massage. I received a gift certificate for Christmas. My mom called me before that to ask me what I wanted for Christmas and I was having a bad day so I begged for a massage gift certificate. Thanks mom and dad!
A little short today, but not much has happened.
It snowy, it's cold, but the sun has been out quite a bit the last few days. No heat, but it sure is bright! lol
Friday, January 9, 2009
It is not official yet, but...
The reveal:
It is not official yet,
no accepted agreement,
no signatures on the bottom lines,
and no guarantees...
But it appears I have another employer to add to my list of current employers...Kirtland CC!!
Yes, another additional job (not full time), but I am still technically working for COOR, my current employer. This will bump my hours up from 30 to 40 hours a week and I will maintain my benefits and rate of pay. KCC wanted me to start last week, but the wheels of acadamia grind slowly. I hope to start out there next week. My new boss is a friend whom I respect and admire and I am looking forward to learning from her and working for her. As you know, this comes along at a time when I really need additional income!
All of this is supposedly "hush, hush" but I had several people welcome me today out at the college. Few at COOR know yet. My current boss has only mentioned it to a few in order to get approval.
You may be wondering "Why are you not jumping up and down and thrilled to pieces, girl?" Answer: there are no signatures, no accepted agreement. The bottom could fall out of this deal. I had my hopes built up for the re-fi and that fell through. That experience is still fresh in my memory.
Keep your fingers crossed for me please! But don't tell anyone! :)
It is not official yet,
no accepted agreement,
no signatures on the bottom lines,
and no guarantees...
But it appears I have another employer to add to my list of current employers...Kirtland CC!!
Yes, another additional job (not full time), but I am still technically working for COOR, my current employer. This will bump my hours up from 30 to 40 hours a week and I will maintain my benefits and rate of pay. KCC wanted me to start last week, but the wheels of acadamia grind slowly. I hope to start out there next week. My new boss is a friend whom I respect and admire and I am looking forward to learning from her and working for her. As you know, this comes along at a time when I really need additional income!
All of this is supposedly "hush, hush" but I had several people welcome me today out at the college. Few at COOR know yet. My current boss has only mentioned it to a few in order to get approval.
You may be wondering "Why are you not jumping up and down and thrilled to pieces, girl?" Answer: there are no signatures, no accepted agreement. The bottom could fall out of this deal. I had my hopes built up for the re-fi and that fell through. That experience is still fresh in my memory.
Keep your fingers crossed for me please! But don't tell anyone! :)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
How far would you go to show you're a fan?
As I am sure any football fan has heard, the Detroit Lions had another bad year. Real bad. So bad it sets a record for the worst season in NFL history. Hey, as long as you are famous for something...and another point, there is plenty of room for improvement.
Twisted Sister, a lonely fan, kept saying "They set a record". Well, while watching the news last night, I found another Lion fan that beats them all (I don't know how many "fans" there are). His name is Dan. Don't worry Uncle Dan, I don't mean you!
Watch this video to see what I mean.
Stay tuned...tomorrow I should be able to reveal the secret! No Sooz, it isn't my sister getting married or preggers! But thanks for the laugh when I read your email!
Twisted Sister, a lonely fan, kept saying "They set a record". Well, while watching the news last night, I found another Lion fan that beats them all (I don't know how many "fans" there are). His name is Dan. Don't worry Uncle Dan, I don't mean you!
Watch this video to see what I mean.
Stay tuned...tomorrow I should be able to reveal the secret! No Sooz, it isn't my sister getting married or preggers! But thanks for the laugh when I read your email!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Hump day
Recall this statement in my last post?
Well, guess who I heard from today? Yep, the bank. And yes, true to current trends, it was bad news. Appraisal amount was too low. I tried the credit union, same thing. Its a Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac criteria. No bank can finance me. I could pursue another type of lender, you know the ones, the same ones that dished out all the ARMs that caused this mess. No thanks.
They gave me a couple ideas and I will pursue them when I am clearer minded.
It was another rough day at work. I am still having trouble sleeping. I have a lot to do, but having trouble concentrating and staying on task. I decided to start tomorrow with a clean slate and cleared my desk of clutter. In the morning, I will re-assess and re-prioritize.
When I got home, I made some calls, cleaned house, did more laundry (does it ever end?), and organized and paid some bills. I am consciously trying to stay positive without any denial. I am too good at denial.
There is still no word to pass onto you about the "secret" I mentioned a few weeks ago. Everyone is busy trying to get back into the groove. When I know, you will know.
Anyway, you get an idea how my "new" work year is starting out? I am having a slow go of it getting back into the groove. At this rate, I am hoping I don't hear from the bank until next week.
Well, guess who I heard from today? Yep, the bank. And yes, true to current trends, it was bad news. Appraisal amount was too low. I tried the credit union, same thing. Its a Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac criteria. No bank can finance me. I could pursue another type of lender, you know the ones, the same ones that dished out all the ARMs that caused this mess. No thanks.
They gave me a couple ideas and I will pursue them when I am clearer minded.
It was another rough day at work. I am still having trouble sleeping. I have a lot to do, but having trouble concentrating and staying on task. I decided to start tomorrow with a clean slate and cleared my desk of clutter. In the morning, I will re-assess and re-prioritize.
When I got home, I made some calls, cleaned house, did more laundry (does it ever end?), and organized and paid some bills. I am consciously trying to stay positive without any denial. I am too good at denial.
There is still no word to pass onto you about the "secret" I mentioned a few weeks ago. Everyone is busy trying to get back into the groove. When I know, you will know.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Transitioning back to work and the new year
I spent Sunday prepping for the first day at work of the new year! I did laundry, put lunches in the freezer, packed a lunch, and conserved energy as much as possible (i.e. sat on the couch, knitting).
Monday morning, I reluctantly crawled out of my nice warm bed, put out the dog, put on my new white jacket, blue/black sweater, and khaki pants, did my new doo and walked out the door with what passes for a smile for me in the morning.
So imagine my concernation when I opened my car door and the light didn't come on. I knew then what was coming, but I went through the motions anyway. Sure enough, dead as a doornail. I go back inside to call work to see if someone can come pick me up. I figured I could call roadside assistance from work when I got some coffee in me. I called and made arrangements to have someone at my house after 3:30 and someone would call to make the arrangments. At 3:25, R.A. called me at work to tell me "they" were at my house and where was I? To make a very long story, short, my car was running when I was dropped off at 3:30. Yes, running, all by itself, unlocked and unattended. I reported it to roadside assistance and didn't tell them I live in a safe neighborhood. Ass couldn't call to make an appointment? Or wait 5 minutes to give me instructions or tell me why it died?
No one commented on my new clothes, Jordan. :( However, I did receive 2 compliments on my hair, Cari. :) The work day passed quickly, but I was tired. I hadn't slept well the night before, or the night before that... I was grouchy and in no mood for socializing. I decided not to go to knitting group and stay home, get into my sweats and rest.
I ate an apple with some of the SF caramel I bought while shopping with Jordan ($4.50/lb what a deal). Okay, more like I had SOME apple with my caramel. I managed to burn my tongue and I had a huge stomach ache for over an hour!
I couldn't get warm and got into a hot shower, then ended up going to bed early. I didn't sleep well- again. Must be the transition from vacation to reality.
The car started fine this morning and as I rode into work it was a really frigid morning. My car temperature read out said -17! I was thinking...Why would my car start today and not yesterday when it was in the 20's? As I pulled into work, I realized my clock wasn't right and my readings were in degrees CELCIUS. I also realized when I got into work that my pants were black, not navy. Note to self: Get a brighter light bulb for the bedroom. I blame the temp thing on a lack of coffee, not a problem with my upstairs bulb.
Anyway, you get an idea how my "new" work year is starting out? I am having a slow go of it getting back into the groove. At this rate, I am hoping I don't hear from the bank until next week.
I couldn't bear to come home after work and just sit on the couch. Sadie was jumping out of her skin when I came in the door. After I let her out, I saw why. She and Mister had knocked the box out of the chair onto the floor. There was a new bag of dog treats in the box and I found pieces of the bag in the dining room. She had turned the bag inside out and ate the whole bag!
After that, I made a snack, baked some bread, cut up a roast to freeze, ran the dishwasher, cleaned the litterbox and ran the dishwasher. Sadie got a VERY small dinner.
Which reminds me...Sadie is getting positively portly! Twisted Sister noticed the change from last July even. We are not getting much exercise (either too cold or too sore) and over the 3 week holiday, Sadie ate anything she was offered. And believe me, everyone offered her all sorts of treats. Between hunting camp and family dinners she had everything from omelet, steak and sausage to carrots! Carrots? She has NEVER eaten carrots. She was a canine vacuum. She would put her chin on her victim's knee (usually Jerry or my Dad) and silently let them know she was there. She was a shameless silent begger and now she is positively portly. I gained about 3 lbs in 3 weeks and I bet she did too.
Monday morning, I reluctantly crawled out of my nice warm bed, put out the dog, put on my new white jacket, blue/black sweater, and khaki pants, did my new doo and walked out the door with what passes for a smile for me in the morning.
So imagine my concernation when I opened my car door and the light didn't come on. I knew then what was coming, but I went through the motions anyway. Sure enough, dead as a doornail. I go back inside to call work to see if someone can come pick me up. I figured I could call roadside assistance from work when I got some coffee in me. I called and made arrangements to have someone at my house after 3:30 and someone would call to make the arrangments. At 3:25, R.A. called me at work to tell me "they" were at my house and where was I? To make a very long story, short, my car was running when I was dropped off at 3:30. Yes, running, all by itself, unlocked and unattended. I reported it to roadside assistance and didn't tell them I live in a safe neighborhood. Ass couldn't call to make an appointment? Or wait 5 minutes to give me instructions or tell me why it died?
No one commented on my new clothes, Jordan. :( However, I did receive 2 compliments on my hair, Cari. :) The work day passed quickly, but I was tired. I hadn't slept well the night before, or the night before that... I was grouchy and in no mood for socializing. I decided not to go to knitting group and stay home, get into my sweats and rest.
I ate an apple with some of the SF caramel I bought while shopping with Jordan ($4.50/lb what a deal). Okay, more like I had SOME apple with my caramel. I managed to burn my tongue and I had a huge stomach ache for over an hour!
I couldn't get warm and got into a hot shower, then ended up going to bed early. I didn't sleep well- again. Must be the transition from vacation to reality.
The car started fine this morning and as I rode into work it was a really frigid morning. My car temperature read out said -17! I was thinking...Why would my car start today and not yesterday when it was in the 20's? As I pulled into work, I realized my clock wasn't right and my readings were in degrees CELCIUS. I also realized when I got into work that my pants were black, not navy. Note to self: Get a brighter light bulb for the bedroom. I blame the temp thing on a lack of coffee, not a problem with my upstairs bulb.
Anyway, you get an idea how my "new" work year is starting out? I am having a slow go of it getting back into the groove. At this rate, I am hoping I don't hear from the bank until next week.
I couldn't bear to come home after work and just sit on the couch. Sadie was jumping out of her skin when I came in the door. After I let her out, I saw why. She and Mister had knocked the box out of the chair onto the floor. There was a new bag of dog treats in the box and I found pieces of the bag in the dining room. She had turned the bag inside out and ate the whole bag!
After that, I made a snack, baked some bread, cut up a roast to freeze, ran the dishwasher, cleaned the litterbox and ran the dishwasher. Sadie got a VERY small dinner.Which reminds me...Sadie is getting positively portly! Twisted Sister noticed the change from last July even. We are not getting much exercise (either too cold or too sore) and over the 3 week holiday, Sadie ate anything she was offered. And believe me, everyone offered her all sorts of treats. Between hunting camp and family dinners she had everything from omelet, steak and sausage to carrots! Carrots? She has NEVER eaten carrots. She was a canine vacuum. She would put her chin on her victim's knee (usually Jerry or my Dad) and silently let them know she was there. She was a shameless silent begger and now she is positively portly. I gained about 3 lbs in 3 weeks and I bet she did too.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Another quickie...
I realize I have been off work since Dec. 18th and should be pontificating profusely in this blog, however, the reality is that I have been busier than usual and not spending a lot of time on the computer. Partly because I have had to share computer time with my sister and nieces. I don't mind, it is better than communicating via Facebook! Oh, yeah, we did that while they were here too. :)
Anyway, New Year's was spent at the hunting camp until after 11...Jordan, Ali and I made it back to my house in time to watch the ball drop (Dick still looks great, but doesn't sound good), and stay up watching TV and playing Mexican Train Game (noisy but fun domino game).
I took them all to the airport yesterday. Steve remarked that it was the first day he can recall the sun shining during this visit. He was right,
it snowed or rained every single day they were here. They made it home safely, but late in the evening. No "snotty" comments to Ali from other passengers on the way home. But they were supplied with Kleenex just in case. lol
Today I have been finishing laundry, packaging food for lunches and basically getting ready to go back to work. I also finished Traci's birthday scarf today. I tried to get it done before they left, but, alas, it was not to be.
It was supposed to rain and ice today, but it only warmed to 30 and we
had some fog. I will be taking the garbage out later and the driveway will probably be slushy. Hopefully it will freeze before I have to get the car out in the morning. Frozen ruts in the driveway are a pain in the "you know what" to navigate around.
On Friday, the other half of us received haircuts. Traci and Ali went cross country skiing and Jordan and I went to the outlet mall to go shopping.
I took them all to the airport yesterday. Steve remarked that it was the first day he can recall the sun shining during this visit. He was right,
it snowed or rained every single day they were here. They made it home safely, but late in the evening. No "snotty" comments to Ali from other passengers on the way home. But they were supplied with Kleenex just in case. lolToday I have been finishing laundry, packaging food for lunches and basically getting ready to go back to work. I also finished Traci's birthday scarf today. I tried to get it done before they left, but, alas, it was not to be.
It was supposed to rain and ice today, but it only warmed to 30 and we
had some fog. I will be taking the garbage out later and the driveway will probably be slushy. Hopefully it will freeze before I have to get the car out in the morning. Frozen ruts in the driveway are a pain in the "you know what" to navigate around.
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