Conan O'Brien

2009-02-21T16:18:52Z

I don't know how many of you are Conan O'Brien fans. Most of you should know that his last episode was last night. I cried just a little when he came out and of course during his last little spiel.

I've been a Conan fan since day 1. I can remember watching his first episode and thinking about what a zany guy this was. I was 15 when he first came on! The reason I watched him is because I had read so much about the Letterman vs. Leno drama and then he was suddenly catapulted into the spotlight. He's had, what 2,525 shows?, and I think I've seen almost 2/3 of them. I've always liked his brand of humor, even back in the days of the vomiting kermit and pimp bot to his more recent sr. conando skits. I grew up watching him and feel that I learned quite a bit about different kinds of humor from puns, gags, etc. that I use in my life from him. Also, during my early twenties, when I was pretty depressed, I could turn on his show and was guaranteed to be completely entertained, distracted and found a laugh within me.

Late Night has also been a part of my relationship with my husband. My DH has such a dry sense of humor and can do a pretty good string dance, if you know what I mean. Since getting our DVR several years ago, we sit down and will marathon a week's worth of Late Night on a Sunday afternoon. Especially the past year with all of the trials and tribulations that we have had, it's been nice knowing that we can still find something to make us laugh and forget our cares and worries for an hour.

I have to say that I find Conan to be an inspiration. When NBC put the screws to him, he dug his heels in and tried that much harder. Just like we should all do in life. He also surrounded himself with brilliant writers and others who worked with him. Shouldn't we all surround ourselves with only the best people, friends and loved ones? Conan has also brought history to life, show what it means to have a good character and how far it can get you in life.

Finally, it's probably because of all the Conan content I've read and watching him before bed last night, but I had a really funny dream with him in it. It was probably the best dream that I've had in years, because it's the first time I've woken up laughing in a long, long time.

Not that you'll ever read this Conan, but thanks for the humor, the inspiration and everything that you've personally given me. Thank you. Can't wait to see you an hour earlier on June 1.

Pain.

2009-02-14T04:43:00Z

"Fibromyalgia is another cause of chest muscle pain. Costochondritis which is a localized form of fibromyalgia, is a particularly common cause of chest wall muscle pain. Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs. Pain is typically located in the mid chest, with intermittently dull and sharp pain that may be increased with deep breaths, movement, and deep touch. It can mimic a heart attack."

I was diagnosed with costochondritis a few months ago. Tonight, I think I'm having a flare-up. My right shoulder is super sore, down into my upper right chest. Came on suddenly; which tends to happen. Took Tylenol PM cause I couldn't find the other Tylenol. I'm sleepy but the pain is leveling off. Meh. Normally the left side hurts but it's been mellow today. Also, I'm spotting, which isn't normal for me.

I went to Whole Foods in Milwaukee today. Talk about whole paycheck. Yeowsh.

Job Hunt Suckage.

2009-01-07T15:09:16Z

This is the first week where finding 2 decent jobs to apply for, in order to get my unemployment benefit, has been difficult. I've lowered my standard of "decent" and where do I decide that it ends? Or doesen't end. Three months left!stress!panic!coffee...

I made roasted cauliflower last night. Why have I never done this before? I'm inspired to roast veggies more often. I got a new Rachael Ray (BOB) cookbook from my in-laws for Christmas. I think it'll be Winter Greens Pasta for Friday date night. Other than eating right yesterday, I also did some yoga and stretching in the morning and spent four hours working/cleaning the apartment.

It's been 7 days without going out for a meal. I bet week three will be the hardest.

Anyone else like Yogi Tea?

Wii Fit.

2008-05-28T02:57:48Z

Officially back in Plymouth. The apartment is like fitting 10 pounds of sugar in a 5 pound bag. I've actually unpacked quite a bit; every day is another project.

Doing a landscaping project out at the law firm & picked up a couple in-office hours too. Slow on the job front for Ken. He doesn't start at Road America until June 5 I think. We've gone almost a month without a paycheck! I'm on the beat though; it will happen in time.

We've had all sorts of issues with the laptop and Vista, so I have hardly had a chance to check any journals. Much less all of the other things I enjoy. (Anyone else on facebook?)

I did pick up Wii Fit ($90!) and have done it for 7 days in a row! Everyday I'm doing more.. today was 50 minutes. The balance board is one of the coolest things I have ever seen. It is unreal how.. well, sensitive, the sensors are. I feel so much more flexible and stronger. My problem ankle is getting some much needed physical therapy through this game as well. I'm going to try to develop a good weekly program with this. Ken is having a great time with it too! I think it is totally worth the money!

Steve Forbes says, "Get a hobby."

2008-05-05T01:07:27Z

Zipped down to Arizona for a few days to attend my father's wife's graduation from Thunderbird College. (Masters in Global Management.) An honorary doctorate was given to Steve Forbes as in Forbes, Inc. He was an absolutely brilliant speaker. Gave me quite a bit to think about. I also got to spend several hours outside in the pool and laying in the sun.,, really helped me to have a nice mental break from it all. Ken had a nice visit with his folks which seemed to help him get things settled in his brain too.

Victoria, my father's wife, can really annoy the crap out of me. I know that she means well, but I get really annoyed. She was having issues contacting her father, from Minnesota, who had flown down for the event too. She commented to me that "Upper Midwest people have communication problems." I just looked at her blankly. I sometimes think that she doesn't think about what she says before she says it. It drives me absolutely nuts. Like Ken and our whole situation, she comments to me an email, "You should always wait 90 days with any job or you wouldn't be in your situation." Like that's really helpful to me at this point. I know she means well, but I really can't stand her sometimes. My dad calls it critical thinking skills that she's learned from pursuing her masters and I call it bullshit.

We went and saw Forgetting Sarah Marshall this afternoon. Hello Jason Segel's wiener! We both gave it 3 1/2 stars out of 5. Was pretty funny and I think worth the matinee price. Also, Hawaii has made a permanent place on my list of places I want to go to.

Anyone else watch this past week's CSI? Seemed super snarky and funnier than usual. Also, what's up with Jack on Without a Trace? And finally, I have so much love for this season of Doctor Who that I could explode.

We secured the apartment back in Plymouth, so I hope to make several phone calls tomorrow to figure out movers. Once we get back there, we both think it will be much healthier than being here. Not to mention that Ken will be back to work and I know that I'll be able to find something. However, I've come to the realization that I really need to get some additional education.. my work experience is great and all, but for the job and pay I want, I really need to get some certifications.

I did do some knitting on my quick trip. Almost finished the baby sweater for my cousin and one wristwarmer for my sister. Once I get knitting, I always feel much better. I sometimes forget how much it really relaxes me!

hemilou @ 2008-04-29T22:12:00

2008-04-30T03:23:42Z

What a month. I finished up my job last Wednesday and came up to Kewaunee on Thursday. Over the weekend, we went to Wisconsin Dells and my sister got married. The ceremony was quite lovely. We stayed at the Wilderness Resort and played in the waterparks. Monday came, Ken went to work to meet with his boss, and he subsequently is no longer working for the sheriff's department. So, we are both unemployed at the moment. Things got really fucked up at his job, training, people, etc. We're okay; figuring out our game plan. Hope to move back to Plymouth, same building, but the nicer apartment. Ken will work out at Road America this summer and I've made contact with my former employer. I don't expect my job back, but I think it will be easier for me to find a job than it will for Ken. There's about a bazillion things I could say about this fucked up situation that we have going on.. but there really isn't anything that I haven't said in person, or between the two of us, that I think needs to be said. Most importantly, we're okay. We have each other. In the end, all you need is love.

I fly out for Arizona on Thursday and will return on Saturday. Short trip to Phoenix to attend my stepmother's graduation from Thunderbird with her master degree in international business. Very happy for her & my Pop & think the few days away will be good for me.

I haven't really knitted much since I've been home this past week. I have all the yarn and things I need, but I just can't seem to focus in on it. Instead, I've been gorging myself on television. I spent all of April with NO television, so it's been nice catching up on my favorites. I've also watched the first three new episodes of Doctor Who online and I must say that season 4 is totally rocking.

Throw some good vibes out there for us; we need them.

Legal Assistant for hire.

2008-04-18T15:46:18Z

One of my clients died yesterday. I think it was suicide by cop. You can read the article here.

The firm that I'm a legal assistant for is a criminal defense only firm. If anything I've learned in my time at this job is how to separate my feelings from the rest of my life and my work life. Our clientele is probably the reason I don't talk about my job much.

70% of our clients are drunk drivers. 1/2/3/5/6 offenses. with injury, bodily harm and homicide by drunk driving. I've seen more than my share of things when it comes to the latter than I'd like to ever talk about. The crazy thing is, I feel different about each client, based upon their history, their alcoholism and the choices they make because almost every one is different even though they made the same choice to drink and drive.
I should mention here that our firm is known through the state as being the go-to attorneys for drunk driving law. I would say 70% of our business is referrals from other attorneys, law enforcement(yes, really) and former clients. You know that seminar I run every year? That's a drunk driving defense seminar for other defense attorneys get hone their skills on this part of the law.
15% are drug cases. One of the guys I work for is actually a chapter attorney for NORML. This was his client that died. Our client had been charged with felony possession of THC(marijuana) and paraphernalia. I talked to him Wednesday AM about his hearing that day; confirming that a different attorney would be appearing with him. He laughed and seemed like he was in a good mood. He never showed up for his hearing that afternoon. It seemed odd and we discussed it yesterday morning. Being without cable, I didn't hear about this story until this morning when one of the other attorneys called me to tell me about it. I feel sad for his family.
5% are sex-related cases. Most of them come as federal cases. 5% other minor traffic offenses
See why I don't talk about work much? It's not really the most pleasant thing.

They hired my replacement yesterday. This is good as I can get up to Kewaunee and actually live at home with my husband and cats and get unpacked and explore the area and do all that fun stuff. Take some time off, look for a part time job, knit. But I have to admit it, I am going to miss my job. I know, I know, the type of clients we have and the cases we have may sound horrific to some. However, the attorneys I work for are really some interesting men, not just professionally, but personally. The 4 of them have really unique personalities and have all been really great to work for. Not to mention the pay, bonus, 15% profit sharing, free lunches and the other extra perks that I get. The only other employee besides the attorneys and myself is Barb. She handles the finances, legal assistant stuff that I do and is considered the officer manager. I could write volumes about this woman and how caring, understanding and wonderful she is. After almost 4 years, it seems unreal that I'm leaving here.

The really crazy thing about all of this is that Ken is now a county deputy. Although he's a dispatcher/jailer, he's still involved in law enforcement. Before this he was dispatching for an ambulance company and before that he got his criminal justice degree. So you all can imagine the conversations that we have about my clients and his work stuff.

Even harder to think that I've been an office rate for 9 years! Or that I'm turning 30 in a few months!

In happier news, Ken is coming down for chinese and a movie. I think it'll be Forgetting Sarah Marshall. It's been 5 days since I've seen him and I can't wait. :) My sister's bridal shower is tomorrow afternoon.. just need to write out her card and pick up the table centerpieces tomorrow. My brother's open house for his birthday is Sunday.. I'm making a cake shaped like the TARDIS. I've already made the cake and picked up the royal blue coloring and the buttercream icing. I will be sure to take pics of that. Will be quite a busy weekend for me. Not to mention the sleeves of the baby sweater that I hope to crank out before tomorrow!

Wow. A Meme.

2008-04-01T14:44:19Z

What was I doing 10 years ago?
I was 19. Living in New Mexico. In college. Confused about love. I was a completely different person.

Snacks I enjoy:
Cheese. Crackers. Chips. Chocolate. All Cs!

Five Things on my To-Do List Today:

I. Clean the old apartment so it shines.
II. Stop at a big box store and pick up some stuff.
III. Yoga DVD.
IV. Do some dishes.
V. Uh, I really should get working since I am at work.

Things I would do if I became a billionaire:

Split it in 3 and share it with my siblings. Travel.

Three bad habits:

I. Over-think everything.
II. Procrastination or getting things started.
III. Staying in a routine.

Five places I’ve lived:

Detroit, Michigan (as a child). Sheboygan, Wisconsin (as a teen). Las Cruces, New Mexico (as a college student). Oshkosh, Wisconsin (on my own for a long time) and Kewaunee, Wisconsin (I just moved there, hehe.)

Jobs I have had:

KFC, Dairy Queen, McDonalds, grocery bagger, Sunday School teacher, Receptionist for a cell phone company, mail room clerk, administrative assistant, customer service specialist, legal assistant.

Things people don’t know about me:

I. I enjoyed buying my husband a lap dance at a strip joint.
II. I haven't seen Sixteen Candles and quite a few other 80's films.
III. I don't mind being plus-sized and I really don't want to ever be smaller than a 14. (When I get that far.)

Everyone has things they blog about. Everyone has things they don't blog about. Challenge me out of my comfort zone by telling me something I don't blog about, but you'd like to hear about, and I'll write a post about it. (Or possibly one post that contains opinions on all the things I've been asked.) Ask for anything: latest movie watched, last book read, graphic techniques, etc. Repost in your own journal so that we can all learn more about each other.

Movies

2008-04-01T14:07:10Z

Stranger Than Fiction is a really good flick. Not only does Will Ferrel make it a believable storyline, the supporting cast are just as brilliant. Dustin Hoffman's character was very understanding but also I think a little on the dark side. The things he says about live v. death is so true and it was refreshing to hear that because no-one else is brave enough to say it. Emma Thompson was the perfect neurotic author and Queen Latifah as her assistant was great. The wristwatch that tied it all together was great. As a person who used to love literature, I really enjoyed the idea of this film and would watch it again.

Imagine Me & You with Piper Perabo (of Coyote Ugly fame) was alright. I think the stand out star in this flick is Anthony Stewart Head. He does this really wild dance at the wedding and it's probably the most hysterical thing I've watched this week. His performance is great! This is basically a love story / coming of age story for lesbians. Rachel and Hector get married; Rachel meets Luce as she is the florist for her wedding and Rachel falls for Luce. The story moved along quickly enough and it is a really cute film.

Netflix will be sending me the original The Producers. I haven't seen this or the remake so I'm kind of excited. I've been going through this Gene Wilder kick the last couple of months, starting with the first time I saw Blazing Saddles. I've seen about 70% of his film work and I've read his autobiography (which explains quite a bit!) I also got his first novella My French Whore super cheap and read a little bit last night. He has a new book that came out recently that I will probably read as well. He's freaking brilliant.

My car was towed yesterday -- looks like a new starter. This has been a shit year for our vehicles so far. :/

Got our tax returns, about $1500, which covers our moving & new house set up expenses. And I want to buy a Dyson Animal Upright vacuum. With Ken's allergies, I think this is the only option after having an air filtration system. They cost $500-$600, so I'm hoping that I can get it on sale! Well, it's either that or a treadmill! I can't wait until we get our rebate check too and security deposit back. Should be able to pad my travel account again. Yay.

Genesis of the Daleks.

2008-03-31T14:50:54Z

Now that I'm staying at my sister's apartment for the next month, without cable or a computer, I think I'll be watching quite a few movies. I went through all of the ones she owns and came across an interesting selection of movies that I have not seen and let ya'll know how they are.
Yesterday, I marathoned through all 6 episodes that made up Genesis of the Daleks with Tom Baker as the 4th Doctor. (At least I know that my icon that I stole somewheres is actually from this serial!)

I actually remember watching this on PBS with my brother.. at least when I saw Davros and Nyder, quite a bit of it came back to me. Coming back and watching this now, as an adult, with the Daleks in the new series and all, it was a nice refresher as to how the Daleks all started in the first place. And I can see why Mr. David Tennant finds this serial as his favorite old DW.

I forgot how compassionate the Doctor was when he chooses not to blow up the laboratory full of Dalek DNA and how hard that decision was for him to make. The Doctor could have altered time for millions of years and for millions of people but instead chooses to let them live. I thought quite a bit about the Daleks in the new series; the episode where Martha meets them in NYC and the Doctor screams at the Daleks to just kill him. Plus, all the new series Dalek stuff is really taken right from this serial.
Anyways, this is a true Doctor Who serial that all true DW fans must see.

Series 4 starts soon! I watched the newest trailer like 4 times! Plus the new promo pics! Squee! I'm actually happy to see the blue suit return and Donna too. From all the spoilers I've read, it looks like this series is going to be completely kick ass. :) Also, I found DT on the newest Friday Night Project on YouTube, so I hope to watch that at lunch today. Hehe.

I also watched The Good Shepherd yesterday.. I think poor Matt Damon must of worn that damn hat and trench coat for 70% of the movie. I would give it 3 of 5 stars though; it took way too like for the main plot point to surface and I got bored halfway through. I did enjoy it though. :) I started Stranger Than Fiction with Will Farrell last night.. I like it very much so far and am surprised by some of the supporting cast. Hope to finish it tonight.

small town America.

2008-03-28T13:17:58Z

FINALLY.
Move went successful yesterday. 98% of the apartment made it onto the truck. Hiring movers was the best decision and wasn't as expensive as I thought it was going to be. Even despite the movers helping, my right ankle was super sore last night and is pretty stiff this morning. Cable guy should be here between 8-10 to set up cable and internet (I'm currently stealing our neighbor's wifi!) Then we go back to Plymouth to finish the other apartment and clean it up. Ken's cousin is going to come with her truck to help us finish the job. All in all, probably the smoothest and least stressful move that ~~I've~~ we've ever had.

I don't want to unpack everything. Especially if the next step is purchasing a home in a year. I really want to stay as minimalist as possible. The apartment is really big, in comparison to where we were before, and it's also really quiet. We will need a couple more lamps though as I'm a person who needs light. Location-wise, I'm happy that I live really close to Lake Michigan. I've lived most of my life around it, so it's nice to be less than a mile from it. This is really small town America though. We have 1 grocery store, 3 gas stations (oodles of bars, but that is WI for ya, 3 churches and a Pamida. (They have yarn -- not much, but hey.) And a Dollar General. It's nice, quiet, quaint and all of that. Did I mention its colder? We're about an hour farther north than we were before; an hour east of Green Bay. I guess I will need to make myself some armwarmers after all.

Today though, I woke up in a bunch of nerves. I'm nervous about Ken and his job. I just want him to like it, which I really think he will. He put on his uniform last night and woo-woo, I love my man in uniform. I'm nervous about when I'm going to finish up my job. 1st of May, but it could be a few weeks later. I have a lot going on at the end of April/beginning of May that I just want my job to be done. We've gotten in about 30 resumes for my job and only about 5 are decent. (It is unreal how crappy some people's resumes and cover letters are. Not sure of the firm name? It's called Google, dumbfuckers.) I'm nervous about living at my sister's apartment all of April, with no cable, no husband, no kitties. I will be taking the Wii with me, and of course, all the knitting/crocheting projects my heart desires. But still, it will be a really trying month.

I'm planning on spending May/June/July just taking care of me and Ken. I get really mixed reactions when I tell people that. My MIL thinks I should be out getting a job right away. I basically told her that Ken & I have worked it out and it is none of her business. And explained the fact that I paid off 98% of her son's debt the last 2 years and I've earned some time off. Anyways, I really hope to focus on my health -- I'm in good health, other than the excess 100 pounds or so that I've been carrying around with me. It's time to get rid of it and so here is my golden opportunity.

Little Boxes.. on the hillside..

2008-03-18T19:23:22Z

Our official move date is 03/27/08 and Ken's official start date is 04/01/08. I'm a big ball of nerves; sick to my stomach, yet excited and happy too. I think all of my anxiety about the upcoming move and life-altering events is based on the idea of..

When is the other shoe going to drop?

This is a total 180 from how I used to think about and treat life a few years ago. I'm so afraid of the unknown now and find myself worrying and keeping anxiety about everything in my near future. I'm afraid the sheriff's dept. will suddenly call up and tell us that they don't want Ken or they have to push his start date back further. I'm terrified that things aren't going to work out and that we've signed a 12 month lease in error or Ken won't be able to get his old job back if he needs it or whatever. Ugh. Just writing it all out makes me blech. I know it may seem weird to some, but since my mom died, I've been carrying around this chip on my shoulder about how life is. I have this theory that whenever there is good in life, there is bad to equal it out. It's not so much that I think about life in terms of good/evil.. it's more like positive/negative effects. There's always one to balance out the other. It always seems like, at least in my life, that when I look forward to positive things happening, something negative rears its ugly head and fucks it all up.So with all of my anxiety, I've been trying to convince my brain to work on other things. I've taken the last 14 days, one day at a time, cramming my brain full of wikipedia, doctor who, ravelry, recipes and slowly packing things. I have 14 more days to deal with all of this anxiety as I know it will be lifted once Ken starts his job. I should mention that I've been very good in the area of stress-eating (one shamrock shake won't blow the good month I've been having weight-wise), I will admit that I've had a couple cancer-sticks this month (which I will be completely done with before my 30th) and trying to play Wii every other day. We took a couple walks, but now the weather has gotten shitola again. Any suggestions on how else to keep my brain occupied for the next two weeks?

Packing-wise, things are going grand. Ken & his folks took a load up today; not as much as I hoped they would, but it's at least something. They take another load next Tuesday with 2 vehicles so they should be able to get most of our non-furniture/clothing/personal items up there before the movers come on the 27th. So happy I hired movers! We have the kitchen almost entirely packed and I really shouldn't have to do much more packing until the weekend.

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that Ken landed this job; excited, in fact. This is what he has wanted for such a long time and I'm 110% supportive. I'm looking forward to taking 2-3 months off. I know that once we finally get there and settled in, that I'll get into my own groove. I'm hoping to really focus on myself for a couple of months. Kind of like a look-back period on my 20s. Knit, relax and for once, just enjoy the summer. April needs to hurry up and get here.

Yea baby she's got it.

2008-03-11T18:27:37Z

Got the apartment; will sign next week & start moving in slowly. However, Ken's start date is pushed back to 04/01/08 due to scheduling conflicts. The bastard gets a whole month off! Ah well, the honey-do list just got bigger! :) Still can't believe, in the end, I married a cop. Packing is going slow, but that's alright; In desperate need of more boxes.
Work is super busy; plus I'll be on my own for the next 7 days, as far as the other secretary will be gone. It's going to be crazy. I'm happier when I'm busy though.
Starting to really seriously think about Kewaunee.. finally less nervous and worried about all the big details. I think I'm one of the few people who actually embrace change; at least 79.9% of the time. This will be a great new adventure!
Got invites out for my sis' bridal luncheon.. turned out great -- my MIL and I spent 2 hours making them last weekend. Super cute and springy. She doesn't want a traditional shower, so I'm hosting a get-together for the aunts/cousins/girls at one of the best places to chow in town. I've got a nice sized budget, so no expenses spared. Only the best for my sister. :)
If I wasn't married, I'd stalk David Tennant. Recently watched Bright Young Things (what's up with that mustache) and Secret Smile (love that dirty mouth of his).
My energy levels have been real up and down; think I'm holding a cold at bay. Lunch over. :/

Two Year Marker.

2008-03-05T21:38:28Z

It is absolutely unreal to think about how fast the past two years have been. I've been anticipating this day for the past two weeks, wondering how I'll feel, my siblings and others who still mourn my mom will feel, etc. I just got off the phone with my brother and he says to me, "You know what today is, right." And he tells me how he broke down this morning at work because the loss in his life is still so fresh and unreal. Plus a coworker of his is now terminal cancer with lymphoma and she's only a few years older than him. So they cry and commiserate together because it just isn't fair. Only the good die young or whatever. I told him too, that tears are good, and our path of grief is long and having each other makes it bearable. My sister and I used to talk about all of this all the time but we're both now at a point where we toast to mom and her life and hope for the best for the future.
I do know that I'm at peace that she's at peace and not in the horrific suffering and pain she endured during the last year of her life. I'm at peace that she's in a far better place. The icky sickly memories I have of her are finally starting to fade and I've been trying hard to grasp and focus on the happy healthy mom ones. I think what has become the hardest in all of this are the days when I really wish that she was still here. The day I got married; when we found out about Ken's new job.. the future events like having children, our first home, etc. I miss her never-ending support, unconditional love; her humor, laughter, hugs... I miss talking to her about nothing and everything.
364 days of the year, I hold the grief, buried away inside, living each day as if it is my last. But today, I mourn my loss and cry. I hope that someday this day can pass without tears and with only the best memories still alive inside of me.

hemilou @ 2008-02-28T20:04:00

2008-02-29T02:14:29Z

The first apartment was way too small. The second apartment is THE one. 2 bed, 2 bath, huge walk-in closet, dishwasher, washer/dryer, heat/water, garage, lots of closets and storage, with the kitties $650/month. And it's a lower. In an 8-plex. Put the application in and we're not worried about getting it. Small towns mean people trust people on people-based skills; if that makes sense. March rent free. Plus our current landlord here is letting us pay half our normal rent for March. Just have to meet with the new plex owner and sign the lease next week. Very exciting as it's becoming more realistic. Ken & his dad are going to run up with a couple loads and then we'll hire someone to move all our furniture and heavy stuff. Yay.
I re-packed my grandmother's china tonight. Finally figured out what kind it is and googled it. Not that I want to get rid of it, but I think I'm going to get it insured now. We're getting through our storage closet/cat closet tonight, so it's a little packing here, a little packing there; should go quickly.
I haven't decided what I'm going to do with employment yet. I actually won't need to work, but I still want to have at least a part-time job. One of the cities in the area is hiring a clerk in their office. Or maybe I'll pick up a summer job; who knows.
Ken just told me blogging is for nerds. <3 :)

Apt. Hunting.

2008-02-28T14:58:08Z

We're shooting up to Kewaunee this morning; I set up a few apartments for us to take a look at. We hope to hit some diner for lunch and cruise around a little bit. A city of 2,800 isn't much, but it should be pretty. All of Ken's testing has come back, except for his psych exam. We're not too concerned about that; but we'd still rather know before we sign a lease, right? Ken thinks I'm paranoid. His last day at orange cross is on Friday. He put his 2 weeks in and figured he would get scheduled into March, but turns out they made his last day on the last day of this month. Fucking cheapskates won't pay another month of health insurance coverage is the way I look at it. His start date at the sheriff's department isn't until 03/17 so it should be an interesting couple of weeks. At least he has 60+ hours of ETO/vacation that he'll get paid out for and I've been saving money like mad the last six months. We should hopefully be fine. I have a lot of worries right now, but I'm trying hard not to fall into old habits to deal with my stress.
I'm also battling a bit of depression the last couple days as it is coming on Mom's 2 year on 03/05. I had a breakdown earlier this week, but it was the first one I think I've had in over 6 months. I think that's pretty good. As Ken tells me, it's going to take time to heal and I have to stop beating myself up about it and just let myself still grieve. Lately, I think it's more the fact that she was so young when she passed away that has been bothering me more than anything else. :/

And the Wheel of Time weaves...

2008-02-19T17:18:46Z

Ken was offered the job yesterday and of course he accepted it. Obviously, the pay, state pension, benefits and early retirement were all big deciding factors. He'll be deputized and his actual job will be Dispatcher/Jailer so it's not like he'll be on patrol or anything. He doesn't have any desire to ever be out on the road, which is fine by me. Kewaunee County is very small; and the city of Kewaunee is only 2,500 people! But living along Lake Michigan will be absolutely beautiful. We hope to get up there next week to look for an apartment as he will start on 03/17/08! (Otherwise it's an hour and a half drive or so one way.) I'm very happy to have change; may be exactly what The Doctor ordered.

I have no idea what I'm going to do. I have a shit-ton of ideas, but that's another post and I don't have time right now. TBC.

Strike it up.

2008-02-18T04:24:08Z

More snow than I think I've seen since I was 11 or so, this winter. Tired of feeling like I'm stuck inside all the time. :/
Car issues worked out; some replacements done, but what a drag.
Ken was passed over for a job last December for a Sheriff's Department and put as #1 on their eligibility list. Sounds like they will be offering him a job and he meets with them tomorrow afternoon. Nervous, excited, trying not to count my chickens until they hatch.
I wish Ravelry was open to everyone, because that's what I've been doing.

sleepy girl.

2007-11-12T00:33:53Z

Ken's got an interview tomorrow. This is why I love the internet. You'd be surprised how many men have no clue how to tie a tie. (or at least use the tie as a tie and not as, uh, yeah.) I also got the pleasure of helping my husband purchase his first real suit. Stunner, he is. It's a job as a radio operator / jailer in a couple counties away. I didn't realize until today that it was in the corrections division. He had been applying for county dispatch work prior to this - so I was a bit surprised. It is up his alley though, with his criminal justice degree.. I think we're both ready for a change. If he doesn't get it, that's okay too. It will happen when it is meant to.

I want to write about the whole seminar experience, but I'm doddering things around in my head about it all. Bleh.

There's something so entertaining about listening to David Tennant's actual scottish accent on the Doctor Who Season 3 audio commentaries. Oh netflix, how I love thee.

I'm almost done with Jennie's scarf. Need to do the finishing tier, weave the last ball of ends in and attempt to do a single/double crochet around it. I am fairly happy with how it's turning out. Just glad I chose to do this as a first holiday knitting project because it is quite tedious, and I found it rather boring and set it aside completely for 4 days or so last week. I did pick up the double point needles I needed to finish Alicia's baby sweater. Of course, that is next. After that, 2 sets each of baby booties for Alicia & Sarah. Then I can resume my holiday knitting. (My sister's mittens & armwarmers, I think.) Also, I *must* wash & send out a gift soon.

That is all.

Super Sneezy.

2007-11-06T17:24:27Z

Ugh. I couldn't have gotten sick at a worse time. I woke up with some sort of head cold. Sneezy, runny nose, inflamed eyes & tired. Yuck. 3/7 in my office have been sick, so I guess I'm #4. (I even took Airborne well before this came on.) I've done most of the peripheral stuff for the seminar. Just waiting to see what other registrations/cancellations we receive so I can finish everything later this afternoon. Must pick up some dayquil so I can actually function at the seminar. :/ It probably doesn't help that the heat in the upstairs part of the office (where my work station is) hasn't been working for the last 3-4 working days. Should hopefully be fixed today!

Going to the inlaws tonight to celebrate Ken & his dad's birthday (4th & 7th). Normally every year I make my killer carrot cake. Too much going on right now to spend the quality time to make a cake from scratch. So for the first time, in years, I made a rainbow chip box cake. And am totally disappointed in it. It didn't rise as nice as my from scratch cakes. I know that they won't care and be happy to eat cake, but it bothers me because I have some mad baking skills when I use them.

Almost there.

2007-11-06T03:44:31Z

One more full work day until the seminar. I cannot wait for it to be over and for my work life to get back to some sort of normalcy. I really don't mind the work of it. I've put a lot of effort and time into it. Everything is basically set - just have to see how it goes.

For those Weeds watchers, I think the show is really developing into the storyline it was meant to be. All the troubles of being a weed dealer for the suburbanite mom. Excellent.

Still working on the entrelac scarf.. only 2 repetitions today - hopefully crank more out tomorrow. Peace ya'll.

Exhausted.

2007-11-05T18:27:03Z

Slept most of the late afternoon away. Heading back to bed. Must dream.

November Knitting Projects.

2007-11-02T15:52:10Z

Thanks to triadruid I'm now focused on blogging every day this month and getting a huge chunk of my holiday knitting done in November, instead of giving myself carpal tunnel in December. I've been good to myself though. In October I made myself a long-ass scarf, armwarmers, a clapotis/shawl & calorimetry/ear wrap. Though I can't wait until January so I can make myself a new felted bag. :)

November knitting projects:
Jennie: Entrelac Scarf: half finished & is my daily project. Need to plan out an entrelac hat with flaps. Have yarn. (Noro Kureyon)
Sarvan: Ascot stitch scarf, in queue, have yarn. (Organic Wool from farmers market.)
Augs: Ascot stitch scarf, in queue, must wind yarn. (Bulky Wool of the Andes)
Becka: 2 sets of armwarmers; standard pattern I use. Have yarn for two sets. (Mosaic Twist)
Alicia: Finish sleeves/collar/buttonband for baby sweater. - by December 1!
All I need are #7 DPNS & find some cute celtic style buttons.
Also would be nice to get a pair of baby ull booties made up to go with the sweater.
Sarah: Re-weave ends in finished baby sweater & make some booties.
Barb: Socks - finish toe of sock#1, cast on for sock#2.

These can wait until December:
Cody: Watchman type hat - need to pick up a red acrylic of some sort.
Ken: Beanie - Cashmerino I think will be the yarn.
Pop: Finish afghan of doom. 49 squares total, and we have about 15 done. :(
Jeannie & Heather: Cable bag wood handles. No clue about yarn/pattern yet.

Okay, I know, it seems like a lot. The most difficult is Jennie's scarf & hat. I've gotten the hang of entrelac, but I need to learn to crochet so I can make the proper stitching on the scar & modify an entrelac hat pattern to also have earflaps. She'll be happy with only the scarf & I can take my time with the hat. :) The booties/socks are a pain too. The rest should all be easy projects. And of course, this doesn't necessarily mean this is everything I will end up making. I sometimes end up making quick gifts for holiday gatherings too!

House shit to do before I got to AZ on 11/29:
Finish getting all of our accounts set up for online bill pay.
Finish second bedroom organization project. I'm 2/3 done!
Organize cupboard of tupperware madness.
Find a solution to the endless cat toys.
Take out planters/soil to shed, in preparation of christmas.

A Milwaukee channel started playing Christmas music already, yesterday. I normally listen to the station because it's great 70/80/90s music. I heard three songs and switched it off. But it has made me look forward to seeing family/friends/fuzzy feelings of christmas past, etc. Ken has a rule though; I can't sing christmas songs until December 1!

comfort of fullness.

2007-11-01T23:47:08Z

"Our culture embraces fullness in a woman. You, the women of the admissions committee, as intelligent as you are, have no idea how casual and complete such acceptance is back home, in the land of the size 16 bikini.... American women, I believe, actually feel the same as Hispanic women about weight.

....a desire for the comfort of fullness.

And, when that desire is suppressed for style and deprivation allowed to rule dieting, exercising American women become afraid of everything
associated with being curvaceous, such as wantonness, lustfulness, sex, food, motherhood..all that is good in life." --Spanglish

I love...love.. love that thought cloud. (why on earth did I wait for so long to see this film?)

hemilou @ 2007-10-07T21:20:00

2007-10-08T02:21:04Z

A change will do you good.