I used to miss the time when the kids were little. Well, some of the kids are still "Little" but they're growing so quickly.
On Thanksgiving, our beloved Seahawks played. We watched the game before, during, and after dinner. This made my usually awkward holiday a little more bearable.
What I didn't realized is that my younger niece loves the Seahawks. She wore the jersey of Russell Sherman and knew stuff about football that I didn't know. It made the game so much more fun to watch. Now we communicate via Pinterest, Instagram, and Seahawks.
Also, I actually was able to spend time with her boyfriend a while ago. I discovered that he is a lot like Kevin in the fact that he will talk about trucks and four-wheeling for a long while. He's kind of a quiet version of Kevin. I really enjoy him, and them together.
On the other side of the family, we've discovered that I can get my nerd on with my grown niece and her husband. Niece knows Doctor Who and old movies and Husband loves the new developments in space.
The bigs are teens now and so they're not as rambunctious and interactive as they once were. The oldest big is as tall as I am now, a milestone for sure. He's been working on that since forever. We did a fist bump after Kevin declared him taller.
The littles are really becoming their own now. They've always been slightly different but now we're really watching their difference characteristics developing. One is quiet and reserved and likes to hang out with the adults. The other is more active and wants to do stuff, all the time. The girl has become a little more girly in that she wants to just chill and watch television while snuggling or read a book.
I guess the point is I now understand the happiness that grandparents get watching their kids/grandchildren grow into adults.
30 November 2014
27 November 2014
25 November 2014
Smart Alec Friends are the Best Friends
At the racetrack in Vegas we leave our stuff in our friends racecar trailer while we're there instead of packing it around. Stuff like coats, water, supplies, my stuff. It's never been a problem. Until.
Until our friend leaves a little early from the racetrack and forgets to tell us. We were in the stands and he was so happy to be finished early that he got distracted.
I decided to go wait in the rental car on Saturday night because Vegas is cold at night in November. Imagine my surprise when I walk into the pit and it's a ghost town. Everything is locked up and the lights are off.
Another one of our friends were pitted right next door. I asked them where our friend went and they said "Well, they finished early so they took off."
Cue: meltdown.
I was tired, cold and over it. "But our keys are on there. My ID, everything!"
I never melt down but: tired, cold, over it. Our friend immediately switched into Dad Mode. "What can we do to help you? What do you need?"
I need, oh, my keys. My wallet. My STUFF. I need to be in a warm hotel room or rental car. Again with the Dad Mode: "It's okay, we'll figure it out. Do you want a ride? We'll take you anywhere you want to go."
The parents of the other crewmember was in their motorhome next door. Our friend told me to go knock on their door and see if they had keys. So I did. I knocked on their door.
This is where I remembered that I'm five-foot-three. If they look out the window, they're going to think someone Ding Dong Ditch'd them. So I backed way up and stood on tippy toes so they could see me.
Nope, they didn't have keys. Sigh. So I called our friend. They had just arrived at Fremont, about twenty minutes away. He sounded a little nervous when I asked him if I could just borrow a saws-all, tin snips, or bolt cutters from any of the fellow racers. He said that they would be right back. Vandalism is a motivator, who knew?
So I sat down in one of the chairs that was forgotten outside to wait and pout. I called Kevin and told him what happened. He said he would come so I wasn't sitting in an empty pit by myself.
Our other friend finished packing up and asked again if I needed anything. "You can sit in the truck with us, we'll wait with you." This, I thought, was very sweet. I told him no, that I would only be waiting a few minutes and Kevin was on his way. So they finished loading up.
One of his crew (who I don't know very well) came over and very gently said "Surely, we're leaving now so I just wanted to ask. I'm locking up the trailer so is there anything of yours in there?"
I laughed out loud and called him a not very nice name. Our friends are so great, I love them so.
Our friend arrived about ten minutes later. His other crew member took the keys and went to the living quarters part of the trailer. I told him that our stuff was in the car carrier part. He laughed and almost shouted "I have to PEE! so unless you want to get wet, get out of the way."
It was like a sitcom. One that I hope never re-runs.
Until our friend leaves a little early from the racetrack and forgets to tell us. We were in the stands and he was so happy to be finished early that he got distracted.
I decided to go wait in the rental car on Saturday night because Vegas is cold at night in November. Imagine my surprise when I walk into the pit and it's a ghost town. Everything is locked up and the lights are off.
Another one of our friends were pitted right next door. I asked them where our friend went and they said "Well, they finished early so they took off."
Cue: meltdown.
I was tired, cold and over it. "But our keys are on there. My ID, everything!"
I never melt down but: tired, cold, over it. Our friend immediately switched into Dad Mode. "What can we do to help you? What do you need?"
I need, oh, my keys. My wallet. My STUFF. I need to be in a warm hotel room or rental car. Again with the Dad Mode: "It's okay, we'll figure it out. Do you want a ride? We'll take you anywhere you want to go."
The parents of the other crewmember was in their motorhome next door. Our friend told me to go knock on their door and see if they had keys. So I did. I knocked on their door.
This is where I remembered that I'm five-foot-three. If they look out the window, they're going to think someone Ding Dong Ditch'd them. So I backed way up and stood on tippy toes so they could see me.
Nope, they didn't have keys. Sigh. So I called our friend. They had just arrived at Fremont, about twenty minutes away. He sounded a little nervous when I asked him if I could just borrow a saws-all, tin snips, or bolt cutters from any of the fellow racers. He said that they would be right back. Vandalism is a motivator, who knew?
So I sat down in one of the chairs that was forgotten outside to wait and pout. I called Kevin and told him what happened. He said he would come so I wasn't sitting in an empty pit by myself.
Our other friend finished packing up and asked again if I needed anything. "You can sit in the truck with us, we'll wait with you." This, I thought, was very sweet. I told him no, that I would only be waiting a few minutes and Kevin was on his way. So they finished loading up.
One of his crew (who I don't know very well) came over and very gently said "Surely, we're leaving now so I just wanted to ask. I'm locking up the trailer so is there anything of yours in there?"
I laughed out loud and called him a not very nice name. Our friends are so great, I love them so.
Our friend arrived about ten minutes later. His other crew member took the keys and went to the living quarters part of the trailer. I told him that our stuff was in the car carrier part. He laughed and almost shouted "I have to PEE! so unless you want to get wet, get out of the way."
It was like a sitcom. One that I hope never re-runs.
Job Search...finished
The day before we left for Vegas I accepted a job. I am freaking out. Seriously, I can't even.
The interview was in three parts: phone, person one and person two. In three consecutive days. I kind of like that it went so quickly, no possibility of hyper-focusing. And that I immediately left on vacation afterward so I couldn't have a complete meltdown.
Details:
Private sector job. This is the first private sector job I've held as a grown-up. I've always worked in the non-profit world. I'm assuming it's not terribly different but there's sure to be some differences.
Full-time. I know, I know, I know. I'm going to try it, knowing that it might/probably be a failure. I am panicking about that and about not having time on my hands that I've become accustomed to with working part time.
Wage & Benefits are the same as my old job. I'm starting over with vacation days but that's not an issue for me so much. This is part of the reason I accepted the job.
Nerds. My first interviewer used a Sheldon pen (Big Bang Theory) that talks. "Bazinga!"
My second interviewer is a Trekkie and a Doctor Who fan. As are all the office staff.
Nerf Guns. I will be issued a nerf gun.
What the What. I'm a coordinator. It's a new position so they don't even really know what I'll be doing day to day. This could be great and could suck. We'll see.
It's for a security company (locksmith, security & fire suppression systems)
Weird. They were a vendor I used at my old job.
So, December first begins a new adventure. We shall see.
The interview was in three parts: phone, person one and person two. In three consecutive days. I kind of like that it went so quickly, no possibility of hyper-focusing. And that I immediately left on vacation afterward so I couldn't have a complete meltdown.
Details:
Private sector job. This is the first private sector job I've held as a grown-up. I've always worked in the non-profit world. I'm assuming it's not terribly different but there's sure to be some differences.
Full-time. I know, I know, I know. I'm going to try it, knowing that it might/probably be a failure. I am panicking about that and about not having time on my hands that I've become accustomed to with working part time.
Wage & Benefits are the same as my old job. I'm starting over with vacation days but that's not an issue for me so much. This is part of the reason I accepted the job.
Nerds. My first interviewer used a Sheldon pen (Big Bang Theory) that talks. "Bazinga!"
My second interviewer is a Trekkie and a Doctor Who fan. As are all the office staff.
Nerf Guns. I will be issued a nerf gun.
What the What. I'm a coordinator. It's a new position so they don't even really know what I'll be doing day to day. This could be great and could suck. We'll see.
It's for a security company (locksmith, security & fire suppression systems)
Weird. They were a vendor I used at my old job.
So, December first begins a new adventure. We shall see.
All About the Fashion
Example #2 of "Click Publish...GAH"
Something you might know about me was another writing prompt the other day. I know, I know, I ranted about Don't Tell Me What to Write but still. It occurred to me at 11:00 pm the other night (as many things do) there is something that people probably don't know.
I love Project Runway.
(pause for gasps of shock)
I don't remember when I started watching it but it is safely stated as years ago. I do remember why: the Unconventional Challenge. This challenge is where they send them someplace crazy like the hardware store, or my favorite the candy store. (and I actually saw the winning dress!) They have to choose materials to make a dress or outfit. What people do with candy, zip-ties, party favors, or garbage bags are incredible. I'm amazed.
With my lack of eyesight, sewing will probably never be a skill I will have. I can't thread a needle. Can't as in Can't See, not Can't Want To. The lack of depth perception makes sewing ones of those exercises in frustration.
So I sit in rapt attention as these people make dresses in one day like it's nothing but a thing. Yes, they're stressed out but they still make something. I would just be under a table eating my hair.
I am impressed with their ability to just get lost in something. Remember that feeling? Just getting lost in something like playing with toys or coloring. I don't get that feeling anymore. My brain is just always going too fast; even when I'm writing.
I love watching to see what the judges like versus what I like. I know fashion is subjective, much like art. Sometimes they'll love something and I'm all WTF are you TALKING about!?! Or I will love something and they're all "Meh" about it.
This, however, when I say that I wouldn't wear most of what they create as I'm still a jeans and sneakers girl. Nor would I be interested in working in the fashion world. It seems so stressful.
I have also begun watching the Fashion Fund, where designers of all kinds (clothing, shoes, jewelry, hats! who wears hats!?!) compete to win a prize from all the Board of All Fashion Designers, including Anna Wintour and Diane Von Furstenberg. It seems like it's an incredibly difficult thing to do and, again, I'm impressed that people would willing sign up for this.
And then there's a new show that's the House of DVF. It is about Diane Von Furstenberg finding an "ambassador" for her company. It's interesting because she is looking for someone who has lots of different talents instead of just a pretty face. Also, I respect her for saying that she realizes that she might not be the best face for the company now. She's matter-of-fact about aging and I like that, especially from someone in a world that is all about the fresh new face.
So, yeah. Nerdy little me loves to watch fashion shows. Who knew?
Something you might know about me was another writing prompt the other day. I know, I know, I ranted about Don't Tell Me What to Write but still. It occurred to me at 11:00 pm the other night (as many things do) there is something that people probably don't know.
I love Project Runway.
(pause for gasps of shock)
I don't remember when I started watching it but it is safely stated as years ago. I do remember why: the Unconventional Challenge. This challenge is where they send them someplace crazy like the hardware store, or my favorite the candy store. (and I actually saw the winning dress!) They have to choose materials to make a dress or outfit. What people do with candy, zip-ties, party favors, or garbage bags are incredible. I'm amazed.
With my lack of eyesight, sewing will probably never be a skill I will have. I can't thread a needle. Can't as in Can't See, not Can't Want To. The lack of depth perception makes sewing ones of those exercises in frustration.
So I sit in rapt attention as these people make dresses in one day like it's nothing but a thing. Yes, they're stressed out but they still make something. I would just be under a table eating my hair.
I am impressed with their ability to just get lost in something. Remember that feeling? Just getting lost in something like playing with toys or coloring. I don't get that feeling anymore. My brain is just always going too fast; even when I'm writing.
I love watching to see what the judges like versus what I like. I know fashion is subjective, much like art. Sometimes they'll love something and I'm all WTF are you TALKING about!?! Or I will love something and they're all "Meh" about it.
This, however, when I say that I wouldn't wear most of what they create as I'm still a jeans and sneakers girl. Nor would I be interested in working in the fashion world. It seems so stressful.
I have also begun watching the Fashion Fund, where designers of all kinds (clothing, shoes, jewelry, hats! who wears hats!?!) compete to win a prize from all the Board of All Fashion Designers, including Anna Wintour and Diane Von Furstenberg. It seems like it's an incredibly difficult thing to do and, again, I'm impressed that people would willing sign up for this.
And then there's a new show that's the House of DVF. It is about Diane Von Furstenberg finding an "ambassador" for her company. It's interesting because she is looking for someone who has lots of different talents instead of just a pretty face. Also, I respect her for saying that she realizes that she might not be the best face for the company now. She's matter-of-fact about aging and I like that, especially from someone in a world that is all about the fresh new face.
So, yeah. Nerdy little me loves to watch fashion shows. Who knew?
Click "Publish"...GAH
Written two weeks ago...
With our trip quickly approaching I have two different To Do lists going. One has to be completed on the day we leave. Simple things like close the curtains and the bedroom door.
The second one is stuff that has piled up over the past few months plus regular monthly errands. Special dog food, glasses adjusted from said special dog food eater, and two returns. The other day I bought two shirts, one fit perfectly and the other same style/different color shirt did not. How is that possible? The cashier says it happens all the time. I also bought a pair of jeans that were a little too big and reached my rib cage. And of course, these returns are from two different stores.
A fun detail is that three of these tasks required going to the mall. No one goes to the mall anymore, do they? Unless it's something like Christmas or back-to-school shopping. I was tempted to browse but I didn't have quite enough time. I think I need to go back. I can't remember the last time I walked through it. It could possibly be more than two years ago. I'm sure it looks the same but maybe there is a surprise there.
Instead I had a button sewn back on a pair of cords and a squeak investigated in a pair of dress shoes. The button was Free! and the shoe repair was $5.00. You have to love that. With my refunds from the returns I paid for the shoes and groceries and an iced mocha. That, my friend, is a good day.
With our trip quickly approaching I have two different To Do lists going. One has to be completed on the day we leave. Simple things like close the curtains and the bedroom door.
The second one is stuff that has piled up over the past few months plus regular monthly errands. Special dog food, glasses adjusted from said special dog food eater, and two returns. The other day I bought two shirts, one fit perfectly and the other same style/different color shirt did not. How is that possible? The cashier says it happens all the time. I also bought a pair of jeans that were a little too big and reached my rib cage. And of course, these returns are from two different stores.
A fun detail is that three of these tasks required going to the mall. No one goes to the mall anymore, do they? Unless it's something like Christmas or back-to-school shopping. I was tempted to browse but I didn't have quite enough time. I think I need to go back. I can't remember the last time I walked through it. It could possibly be more than two years ago. I'm sure it looks the same but maybe there is a surprise there.
Instead I had a button sewn back on a pair of cords and a squeak investigated in a pair of dress shoes. The button was Free! and the shoe repair was $5.00. You have to love that. With my refunds from the returns I paid for the shoes and groceries and an iced mocha. That, my friend, is a good day.
Oh, Hi
We just returned last night from our race in Vegas. It went really well, the friend that Kevin crews for placed third out of twenty cars and set all his personal best goals. Huge success.
There are, of course, lots of stories to tell. I'm just sending up a flare that we're home safe and tired. Also, that I've miserably failed at NaNoBloMo. This was as I figured. But: reasons.
There are, of course, lots of stories to tell. I'm just sending up a flare that we're home safe and tired. Also, that I've miserably failed at NaNoBloMo. This was as I figured. But: reasons.
15 November 2014
Don't Prompt Me
One of the NaNoBloMo post suggestions was "Write about a skill you possess that someone else might not have". As I am complete rubbish at anything domestic, I was skeptical of this topic and ignored it.
Then I realized that I used to be a licensed pyrotechnician and I could write about that. But the nuts and bolts of it are actually kind of boring and I've written about it before. So, a synopsis: it's hard, dangerous work for little pay but the crowd noise makes it worth it. I still miss doing it and would do it again in a heartbeat but I was outvoted. (Stupid democracy)
The other topic would be the racecar but that is all kinds of boy talk that most people think is boring. Something surprising about it is I've learned a lot about physics and geometry over the years. This is the Universe's joke on me after all my complaints about those topics while in school.
The other thing I could think of is this, the writing. Explaining something like this is difficult as it's a personal and individual thing. It's like explaining how one breathes, you just do it. I guess I could best explain it as I try to write like I talk. Thus explaining the run-on sentences, random punctuation, spaces, and capitalizations.
The nonconformist in me hates writing prompts a little bit. I Write What I Want! It's like having a writing assignment in school sometimes. Once we were instructed to journal once a week for the entire quarter. This was before this sort of thing was cool and normal. To be honest, I forgot all about it. (I know, you're surprised.) So when the teacher reminded us that it was due in a few days, I had to figure something out quickly.
So, I wrote an essay on why I didn't journal. Totally got an "A".
Yeah, not much has changed with me.
Then I realized that I used to be a licensed pyrotechnician and I could write about that. But the nuts and bolts of it are actually kind of boring and I've written about it before. So, a synopsis: it's hard, dangerous work for little pay but the crowd noise makes it worth it. I still miss doing it and would do it again in a heartbeat but I was outvoted. (Stupid democracy)
The other topic would be the racecar but that is all kinds of boy talk that most people think is boring. Something surprising about it is I've learned a lot about physics and geometry over the years. This is the Universe's joke on me after all my complaints about those topics while in school.
The other thing I could think of is this, the writing. Explaining something like this is difficult as it's a personal and individual thing. It's like explaining how one breathes, you just do it. I guess I could best explain it as I try to write like I talk. Thus explaining the run-on sentences, random punctuation, spaces, and capitalizations.
The nonconformist in me hates writing prompts a little bit. I Write What I Want! It's like having a writing assignment in school sometimes. Once we were instructed to journal once a week for the entire quarter. This was before this sort of thing was cool and normal. To be honest, I forgot all about it. (I know, you're surprised.) So when the teacher reminded us that it was due in a few days, I had to figure something out quickly.
So, I wrote an essay on why I didn't journal. Totally got an "A".
Yeah, not much has changed with me.
11 November 2014
Job Search Adventures, continued
Seriously?
Reception/ Front Desk (Downtown Bellingham)
compensation: salary + bonus
10 November 2014
What Kind of Cake?
Kevin and I are known to communicate in hyperbole and superlatives. I swear if someone overheard some of our conversations they would think that we'd either gone insane or about to conduct a gun duel.
Kevin's mom often calls to ask if we want dinner or dessert. Often, Kevin will say something along the lines of "I don't know, Mom. Surely really doesn't like your cooking." He says it so convincingly too. His mom, who is really sweet, always seems to accept it on face value. As if he would ever say it and mean it. As if I would ever say it, aloud.
Last night, his mom phoned to ask if we would like some cake. She had some Red Velvet cake last week so Kevin asked if was the week old cake or something new. This was a half genuine question because she's had strokes and sometimes sh*t happens. (example: biscuits and gravy with blueberry biscuits or serving cold pork and beans with tacos)
I didn't hear her response so when Kevin asked if I wanted some cake, I sincerely said I didn't want week-old cake. Kevin repeats what I said and adds "She's such a bitch, Mom."
I was tearing up, I was laughing so hard. For once, I was serious.
Kevin's mom often calls to ask if we want dinner or dessert. Often, Kevin will say something along the lines of "I don't know, Mom. Surely really doesn't like your cooking." He says it so convincingly too. His mom, who is really sweet, always seems to accept it on face value. As if he would ever say it and mean it. As if I would ever say it, aloud.
Last night, his mom phoned to ask if we would like some cake. She had some Red Velvet cake last week so Kevin asked if was the week old cake or something new. This was a half genuine question because she's had strokes and sometimes sh*t happens. (example: biscuits and gravy with blueberry biscuits or serving cold pork and beans with tacos)
I didn't hear her response so when Kevin asked if I wanted some cake, I sincerely said I didn't want week-old cake. Kevin repeats what I said and adds "She's such a bitch, Mom."
I was tearing up, I was laughing so hard. For once, I was serious.
This Week's Edition of I'm a Total Liar
Remember when I said that I had way too many Halloween decorations? Then I bought the little ghost bobblehead because he asked to come live at my house? Well, then I bought a jack o'lantern bobblehead because: Jack O'Lantern bobblehead.
Look at this happy little family:
And then today, things were on sale! Things that I've been resisting for a month now. But for $3.00, I can find room for this guy:
I'm sure I can decorate them for Thanksgiving and Christmas as well.
Look at this happy little family:
 |
| I'm impressed that they're not in compromising situation courtesy of Kevin |
And then today, things were on sale! Things that I've been resisting for a month now. But for $3.00, I can find room for this guy:
 |
| C'mon, He LIGHTS up! |
08 November 2014
Future Operator
Kevin has a pretty dangerous job and I don't often hear stories about what he does. The rule usually is I don't hear about sketchy jobs until they are done, if at all.
Today though was different.
He was running a loader that has a bucket that a small convertible will fit in. A customer came in with a truck and trailer needing material. He had a little boy with him who was having the best day ever seeing all these big boy toys.
After Kevin talked to the dad about what was needed, Kevin explained that the trailer would need to be backed up.
The dad picked up the little boy and put him in the trailer to ride while he backed up a little bit while
Kevin climbed up into the loader to wait.
Once he was up there he looked down to see the boy looking concerned. Seeing Kevin looking at him the boy sternly raised his hand to him, signaling him (appropriately) to wait.
Kevin motioned backed Okay but the boy continued to signal until his dad stopped and got him down.
Kevin loaded the trailer while the little boy watched and nodded. When he finished and pulled along the trailer, he spotted the boy again.
He was giving Kevin an enthusiastic Thumbs Up.
Kevin climbed down to talk with the dad. He laughed and said "Okay, that was one of the cutest things I've ever seen" and he explained what happened.
The boy nodded while Kevin told the story. Kevin told him "You were safe, weren't you? You did a good job!"
Can you imagine? Best day ever. For both boys perhaps.
Today though was different.
He was running a loader that has a bucket that a small convertible will fit in. A customer came in with a truck and trailer needing material. He had a little boy with him who was having the best day ever seeing all these big boy toys.
After Kevin talked to the dad about what was needed, Kevin explained that the trailer would need to be backed up.
The dad picked up the little boy and put him in the trailer to ride while he backed up a little bit while
Kevin climbed up into the loader to wait.
Once he was up there he looked down to see the boy looking concerned. Seeing Kevin looking at him the boy sternly raised his hand to him, signaling him (appropriately) to wait.
Kevin motioned backed Okay but the boy continued to signal until his dad stopped and got him down.
Kevin loaded the trailer while the little boy watched and nodded. When he finished and pulled along the trailer, he spotted the boy again.
He was giving Kevin an enthusiastic Thumbs Up.
Kevin climbed down to talk with the dad. He laughed and said "Okay, that was one of the cutest things I've ever seen" and he explained what happened.
The boy nodded while Kevin told the story. Kevin told him "You were safe, weren't you? You did a good job!"
Can you imagine? Best day ever. For both boys perhaps.
07 November 2014
Dawning Realizations
Remember that scene in Say Anything where they are talking about being married after Lloyd and Diane have sex? Where they talk about how everything is going to change and the one friend says something along the lines of Years from now you'll be walking along and think "We've had sex."
I wondered about that at the time, if a person would think that. Of course, I didn't think of it again until many (too many, frankly) years later when I watched the movie again.
I am unsure if the statement is true or not. I do know that there are moments when it just hits that We Are Married. Right now. Married. I chose this guy. This great guy chose Me.
So, no, I haven't thought that specifically but I've had similar trains of thoughts. That dawning realization of "This is my life right now."
Thankfully, these are mostly happy realizations and not I Need A Good Alibi realizations.
I wondered about that at the time, if a person would think that. Of course, I didn't think of it again until many (too many, frankly) years later when I watched the movie again.
I am unsure if the statement is true or not. I do know that there are moments when it just hits that We Are Married. Right now. Married. I chose this guy. This great guy chose Me.
So, no, I haven't thought that specifically but I've had similar trains of thoughts. That dawning realization of "This is my life right now."
Thankfully, these are mostly happy realizations and not I Need A Good Alibi realizations.
05 November 2014
Immediate Gratificaton for the Win
You know what is strangely satisfying? Power washing. Talk about immediate gratification.
Kevin was trying to get about three thousand things done over the weekend. With the time change, he has very little daylight hours available now. It's dark when he leaves and comes home. This leaves weekends, some of which he works Saturdays.
He began powerwashing our deck and I stepped out to see what was happening. OMG, it's like the best thing ever. Just spray it and it looks new! Must.To.Do.It.
I offered to help and Kevin was reluctant. Not because he was doubting my skills but because we have The Deal. The Deal being that I am responsible for the inside of the house and he is responsible for the outside of the house. This fell into the Outside of the House category.
But the need to get things done in a limited period of time won him over.
I washed the deck until the Seahawks game started. Then Kevin and I went inside to watch. At half-time, we took turns washing. The instant gratification pleases Kevin as well. Paired with his guilt of sharing chores, there was a bit of a struggle of whose turn it was.
But the game came back on and by the end, it was pouring down rain and getting dark.
Yesterday morning I returned to this most pleasing task. It was sprinkling and due to storm later in the day so I sucked it up and went outside. I put on one of Kevin's work sweatshirts, which was bright orange and a little water-resistant. A little. By the end, water resistant could be defined as "it has a hood." I'm sure I was quite a sight, with my orange sweatshirt, red LL Bean slip-ons, purple headphones, and soaking wet.
I did enjoy having my headphones in and listening to my music. I keep downloading music on my phone but not listening because I'm home all day. (usually I listen to music like this at work) I'm sure my in-laws appreciated the singing along and possible dance moves, if they happened to come outside.
I only did the floor of the deck, which is quite large. It wraps around the corner of our house. I considered doing the railing but, rain, and the railings are hard. I'm not so much tall so it's more suited for Kevin. On a selfish note, the spindles would be frustrating because there are four sides to many, many of them.
This is where I say a task such as this, while satisfying, also has big potential of triggering the ocd. Because you see your progress instantaneously and it triggers the Do All The Things part of the ocd.
Thus, the not having sense to come in out of the rain.
It just looks so nice. I want to continue but I know that I'll just be frustrated at the difficulty level. And soaking wet. And my hands, omg, my hands were so cramped.
As a treat, I took the puppy to the coffee stand and we both got treats. Then we snuggled with the blanket and watched television. We might have napped but you can't prove anything.
Behold:
Kevin was trying to get about three thousand things done over the weekend. With the time change, he has very little daylight hours available now. It's dark when he leaves and comes home. This leaves weekends, some of which he works Saturdays.
He began powerwashing our deck and I stepped out to see what was happening. OMG, it's like the best thing ever. Just spray it and it looks new! Must.To.Do.It.
I offered to help and Kevin was reluctant. Not because he was doubting my skills but because we have The Deal. The Deal being that I am responsible for the inside of the house and he is responsible for the outside of the house. This fell into the Outside of the House category.
But the need to get things done in a limited period of time won him over.
I washed the deck until the Seahawks game started. Then Kevin and I went inside to watch. At half-time, we took turns washing. The instant gratification pleases Kevin as well. Paired with his guilt of sharing chores, there was a bit of a struggle of whose turn it was.
But the game came back on and by the end, it was pouring down rain and getting dark.
Yesterday morning I returned to this most pleasing task. It was sprinkling and due to storm later in the day so I sucked it up and went outside. I put on one of Kevin's work sweatshirts, which was bright orange and a little water-resistant. A little. By the end, water resistant could be defined as "it has a hood." I'm sure I was quite a sight, with my orange sweatshirt, red LL Bean slip-ons, purple headphones, and soaking wet.
I did enjoy having my headphones in and listening to my music. I keep downloading music on my phone but not listening because I'm home all day. (usually I listen to music like this at work) I'm sure my in-laws appreciated the singing along and possible dance moves, if they happened to come outside.
I only did the floor of the deck, which is quite large. It wraps around the corner of our house. I considered doing the railing but, rain, and the railings are hard. I'm not so much tall so it's more suited for Kevin. On a selfish note, the spindles would be frustrating because there are four sides to many, many of them.
This is where I say a task such as this, while satisfying, also has big potential of triggering the ocd. Because you see your progress instantaneously and it triggers the Do All The Things part of the ocd.
Thus, the not having sense to come in out of the rain.
It just looks so nice. I want to continue but I know that I'll just be frustrated at the difficulty level. And soaking wet. And my hands, omg, my hands were so cramped.
As a treat, I took the puppy to the coffee stand and we both got treats. Then we snuggled with the blanket and watched television. We might have napped but you can't prove anything.
Behold:
 |
| One corner. Totally fun pushing the barbecue on a slippery surface. |
 | ||||
| Center section. Yep, totally powerwashed the little table too. |
 |
| Right corner. The light is darker because: RAIN. |
04 November 2014
Reasons I Shouldn't Cook
Subtitle: Things that Catch Fire
A. Towels
B. Potholders
C. Waxed paper
D. Paper Towels
E. Boxes
F. Food
This Seems Legit
In the latest chapter of Job Search Adventure, I received an offer for employment. You look to see if it's a good idea:
My
name is Brenda Palmigiano(Advocate for Deaf truckers) and i also do
Interior Designs, Decorations & Art collections with a large client
base and because of my job I'm constantly out of the State. My former
Personal Assistant just got married and moved to Canada. If you accept
my offer, I will need you to take charge of my errands, and will also have my mails/packages forwarded to a nearby post office where you can pick them from at your convenience.
Dear Applicant,
Thanks for
responding to the job post. I received your email with interest in the
position posted but unfortunately that position has been taken but I
have an offer for you if interested. I want to believe and hope I am
dealing with an honest, responsible person because I usually would not
hire anyone this way but I urgently need the services of a Personal
Assistant due to my very busy schedules.
All
errands will be in your city/town so it is not a must you have a car,
but if you do it might be a plus. When you get my mails/packages, you
will be required to mail them to where I want them mailed too. The
content of the packages will be business and personal mails. All
expenses and taxes will be covered by me and you are to work for just 2
days per week (4 hours daily). You will be doing this for 3 weeks until I
get back to town so we can formally meet and discuss about the
possibility of making this arrangement long term if I'm satisfied with
your performance.
How much will you charge per week? Am willing to pay $300 weekly including gas and others expenses. That is not a bad offer i presume! If you accept this offer please reply with the following details:
Again, non-specific "Dear Applicant" and the sketchy requirement to set up a messaging service contact. Then there's the big hourly wage for a job that doesn't require it. Mr Adam Diaz doesn't seem to exist on the interwebs.
Sigh.
Full
Name, Physical/Residential contact address, Apt #, City, State, Zip
Code, Cell number, Home number, Current Occupation and Available hours.
I
will be needing your service immediately, so once you send all this
information, i will make a back ground check on your details and will
get back to you within 24 hrs to let you know if you get the job and
also what your first assignment will entail. After that, I will request
your first week payment be mailed to you along with the pay to run
errands for me.
Kindly get back soon and have a nice day.
Thank you and God Bless!
So, Gmail flagged this as suspicious. It arrived at midnight on Halloween. "Dear Applicant" and Please send me all your pertinent information. Blindly receive and send packages.
What could possibly go wrong?
It is a real person, I checked. But she's from New York and the interwebs say nothing about interior design. I wonder if she knows this is happening? I'm not wading in though. I only kept the email for entertainment purposes.
AND THEN, in the same email thread I received:
Good Morning
Dear applicant, we apologize for the delay in response, as in regards to your resume that was forwarded to our head department for the Data Entry/Administrative Assistant Position, The Hiring Desk has reviewed your resume for the Data Entry/Administrative Assistant Position and we believe you have the required qualifications to proceed.
This is a Data Entry/Administrative Assistant Position, Working hours are from 8am-3pm, Monday-Friday. The starting pay is $24.00 /hr for this Data Entry/Administrative Assistant Position, you are also expected to
come online through Yahoo Messenger during working hours.I want you to setup a yahoo messenger and if you have one already use it, add Mr adam diaz the Interview Manager and IM his on this ID (adamdiaz2014@yahoo.com)
asap for the interview/briefing and comprehensive job details.This is our first step to proceed further. he will be on online waiting for you. Interview Schedule date/time is From Monday to Friday (8am-5pm).
Best Regards
Again, non-specific "Dear Applicant" and the sketchy requirement to set up a messaging service contact. Then there's the big hourly wage for a job that doesn't require it. Mr Adam Diaz doesn't seem to exist on the interwebs.
Sigh.
03 November 2014
The Talk
Swistle had two interesting topics the other day: "Talking to kids about sex without religion"
and "Teenagers and Dating and Friends"
Not being a parent, I usually don't comment or think much about parenting posts but these really caught my attention. My first response to the sex and religion this was "One has nothing to do with the other." But I realize that is only relevant in my world. It very much relates in others worlds.
I was self-educated on the subject when I was a child. The class that everyone else had in the fifth or sixth grade was cancelled for some reason and they never rescheduled it. (at least that's how I remembered it) My parental talk was "You know about all that stuff, right?" One of many examples I can provide of being raised by wolves. Church, as I'm sure you're unsurprised, had no place in the house as well.
Swistle mentioned having books around for the kids to browse in case of any interest. I thought this was a great idea, giving kids an opportunity to learn in their own time and interest and greatly reducing embarrassment. One of the books listed was actually how I learned about "all that stuff", at a friends house nonetheless.
Having had issues, shall we call it, as a child and teen, sex wasn't big on my priority list. I did have the goal not to become an After School Special during high school. Also, I was in high school during the AIDS epidemic so sex was practically scary to contemplate. I remember a teacher saying that "Having sex with one person is actually having sex with all the people they've been with as well."
Yeah, that is a strong visual. Kept me out of trouble for awhile.
I didn't have many rules as a teen. I had a curfew of midnight but I'm not sure anyone was really paying attention. I began officially dating at almost sixteen but had done the group dating for a few years prior to that. Whether or not my parents were aware is a mystery. Teenagers are arrogant and self-centered so who knows if I'd even notice?
Luckily maybe, I emerged from my teens mostly unscathed. Well, let's try that again. Not unscathed perhaps. I was married at nineteen, almost exactly one year after graduation, to a psychopath. So, there's that.
Another perspective was one of my nieces mentioning something about having sex a while ago. I was aware that she was active and that her dad had provided the education. (give a shout out to single dads with daughters, I don't know how they handle that particular area) I told her to just be safe and don't make stupid choices.
The Nephew is pretty open about these things and I'm always impressed at his candor, even if it does make me wince every once in a while. He has one teen and a preteen right now so he will be living full-time in Hormone City here pretty quickly.
Kevin is very matter-of-fact: It's going to happen so best arm them with the tools and knowledge they need.
I think teens are likely to have some form of sex. This is not new behavior, it's been happning for generations. I think what has changes is education and the removal of shame.
Our friend, Angie, does have a strong faith and coincidentally, the subject came up. She said that she listed goals that she would like her daughter to accomplish in high school. (she'll be a freshman next year). The last one on the list was "Don't have sex until after high school."
I thought it was interesting that she acknowledged a) that it is a possibility and b) that she doesn't have an expectation of abstinence until marriage.
I think education and emphasizing safety and respect are the best tools. A parent can provide that to the best of their ability, regardless of religious beliefs. Everything else is up to the teen.
and "Teenagers and Dating and Friends"
Not being a parent, I usually don't comment or think much about parenting posts but these really caught my attention. My first response to the sex and religion this was "One has nothing to do with the other." But I realize that is only relevant in my world. It very much relates in others worlds.
I was self-educated on the subject when I was a child. The class that everyone else had in the fifth or sixth grade was cancelled for some reason and they never rescheduled it. (at least that's how I remembered it) My parental talk was "You know about all that stuff, right?" One of many examples I can provide of being raised by wolves. Church, as I'm sure you're unsurprised, had no place in the house as well.
Swistle mentioned having books around for the kids to browse in case of any interest. I thought this was a great idea, giving kids an opportunity to learn in their own time and interest and greatly reducing embarrassment. One of the books listed was actually how I learned about "all that stuff", at a friends house nonetheless.
Having had issues, shall we call it, as a child and teen, sex wasn't big on my priority list. I did have the goal not to become an After School Special during high school. Also, I was in high school during the AIDS epidemic so sex was practically scary to contemplate. I remember a teacher saying that "Having sex with one person is actually having sex with all the people they've been with as well."
Yeah, that is a strong visual. Kept me out of trouble for awhile.
I didn't have many rules as a teen. I had a curfew of midnight but I'm not sure anyone was really paying attention. I began officially dating at almost sixteen but had done the group dating for a few years prior to that. Whether or not my parents were aware is a mystery. Teenagers are arrogant and self-centered so who knows if I'd even notice?
Luckily maybe, I emerged from my teens mostly unscathed. Well, let's try that again. Not unscathed perhaps. I was married at nineteen, almost exactly one year after graduation, to a psychopath. So, there's that.
Another perspective was one of my nieces mentioning something about having sex a while ago. I was aware that she was active and that her dad had provided the education. (give a shout out to single dads with daughters, I don't know how they handle that particular area) I told her to just be safe and don't make stupid choices.
The Nephew is pretty open about these things and I'm always impressed at his candor, even if it does make me wince every once in a while. He has one teen and a preteen right now so he will be living full-time in Hormone City here pretty quickly.
Kevin is very matter-of-fact: It's going to happen so best arm them with the tools and knowledge they need.
I think teens are likely to have some form of sex. This is not new behavior, it's been happning for generations. I think what has changes is education and the removal of shame.
Our friend, Angie, does have a strong faith and coincidentally, the subject came up. She said that she listed goals that she would like her daughter to accomplish in high school. (she'll be a freshman next year). The last one on the list was "Don't have sex until after high school."
I thought it was interesting that she acknowledged a) that it is a possibility and b) that she doesn't have an expectation of abstinence until marriage.
I think education and emphasizing safety and respect are the best tools. A parent can provide that to the best of their ability, regardless of religious beliefs. Everything else is up to the teen.
On Fridays, We Wear Blue
I'm not a huge sports fan. I like baseball and could really enjoy hockey if I dedicated my attention.
Hahaha, like that's possible. I used to watch football but lost the taste for it.
Seattle sports teams are notoriously horrible. Every once in a while, a divisional championship is possible or even won. But like a bad sports movie, the teams seem to fold like a bad lawn chair. The exception is the WNBA team, The Storm, but sadly no one watches them play. Soccer is slowly gaining popularity but the Sounders get lost between baseball and football.
Then came the Seahawks. All of a sudden, there is a sense of excitement in the air. Suddenly, everyone is a fan. When they are playing, the neighborhoods are quiet. Everyone is watching or listening to the game. Even Kevin, who is not even a little bit a sports fan, will watch the game. Even our Canadian friends are huge fans, they consider the Seahawks their team.
Every Friday, "We Wear Blue" is a thing. If you go into a store, everyone has jerseys or t-shirts. Cars are decorated. It's kind of cool.
It's fun to be part of the 12th Man.
Hahaha, like that's possible. I used to watch football but lost the taste for it.
Seattle sports teams are notoriously horrible. Every once in a while, a divisional championship is possible or even won. But like a bad sports movie, the teams seem to fold like a bad lawn chair. The exception is the WNBA team, The Storm, but sadly no one watches them play. Soccer is slowly gaining popularity but the Sounders get lost between baseball and football.
Then came the Seahawks. All of a sudden, there is a sense of excitement in the air. Suddenly, everyone is a fan. When they are playing, the neighborhoods are quiet. Everyone is watching or listening to the game. Even Kevin, who is not even a little bit a sports fan, will watch the game. Even our Canadian friends are huge fans, they consider the Seahawks their team.
Every Friday, "We Wear Blue" is a thing. If you go into a store, everyone has jerseys or t-shirts. Cars are decorated. It's kind of cool.
It's fun to be part of the 12th Man.
01 November 2014
NaBloPoMo
Every November, thousands of bloggers commit to posting daily. I am going to participate and try to post every single day this month. As we're out of town later this month and I'm not bringing my laptop, this will be a little challenging. I will have to schedule a few posts, or cheat and throw up a photo or quote instead.
They say if you can do something for 30 days, it becomes an engrained habit. We'll just see about that.
There is also NaNoWriMo, which is writing a novel in thirty days but I think that it setting myself up for failure. Well, certain failure versus possible failure.
So, let's see how this goes, shall we?
They say if you can do something for 30 days, it becomes an engrained habit. We'll just see about that.
There is also NaNoWriMo, which is writing a novel in thirty days but I think that it setting myself up for failure. Well, certain failure versus possible failure.
So, let's see how this goes, shall we?
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