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Two steps forward, three steps back...
Nov. 17th, 2010 05:22 pmThings have been hella hectic around here recently. On 10/30, the family (my parents, brother, aunt, uncle, their kids and a friend) went to King's Dominion Halloween Haunt. I lucked out and my work was selling tickets for half off, so we ended up not having to pay $60 per. It was a lot of fun, but, seriously? I don't getting there when it opens at 10 am and leaving at 9:30 pm. That is just way too long. Although, we were able to ride some of the coasters with no real lines by going that early, so maybe going at 10 and then checking out for a couple of hours at a nearby hotel and going back for the evening stuff would be better.
Anyway, I did ride the Intimidator 305. Let me say, right here, right now: I LOVE roller coasters. LOVE THEM. I delight in climbing into their cars and strapping myself in. I won't say there isn't a single coaster I won't ride because the one where you stand the entire time has no appeal, but there are very few that, well, intimidate me.
And so it was with the Intimidator 305. I climbed in, strapped in, and got ready for an amazing right. And I was doing fine the entire 305 foot climb the apex, which is an 85 degree angle drop. We start going down! I scream! I...black out!? WHAFUH? Yes, y'all, I blacked out on the I305. I climbed out of that thing crying and moaning, "oh my God" over and over again. Now, I just need a t-shirt for that - "I blacked out on the Intimadtor 305!" It'd be epic.
The scary stuff later that evening wasn't so scary, but whenever you do that kind of thing, go with someone who is easily scared by it. It makes the experience that much more scary and weirdly more hilarious.
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The following weekend, Karlene came for a visit to our nation's capital. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to meet up with her until after work on Friday, though she came in Thursday evening. And I had to finagle my way to get out early. So I spent a long, funfilled weekend wandering around, and getting lost in, the fun bits of DC. I also was able to meet up with Liz L. and Monique and Karlene's awesome friend Jen. We had a long, strange conversation on the ride home about the shitasticness that is Kaiser Permanente and the awesomeness that is hockey (hockey is awesome, why did no one tell me sooner?)
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After two consecutive weekends of fun! Fun! FUN! I was unable to get back onto a regular exercise schedule. As such, I'm once again trying to slog through Week 6 Day 2. But, I actually looked forward to running today which is a switch from the past two weeks were knee/shin pain was making every attempt at run a misery. I didn't complete this workout, but considering the almost month long lapse in actual exercise, I'm counting today as a win anyway.
Except for the bit where a dog charged at me from her doorway, growling and "boofing" (not straight up barking, she was growling too much for that). I now understand why runners fear dogs. It's down right scary to have a large animal run up to you growling. I, being the brave soul that I am, came to a screeching halt. Yes, literally. I waited until the owner had her attention and then I bolted. Yet another street marked off my mental map of my neighborhood. *sigh*
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Robin Hood was diagnosed with irritable bowl syndrome and I once again have a ferret that will be on medication for the rest of his life. At least this isn't fatal? *double sigh*
Farragut North has rings on his tail! Two of them and the very tip is dark gray so it could almost be considered the third. He's the cutest little thing.
I need to get pictures of them up soon.
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Copenhagen/Stockholm/Oslo world wind tour 2012, y/y? Who needs stinkin' London Olympics!
Anyway, I did ride the Intimidator 305. Let me say, right here, right now: I LOVE roller coasters. LOVE THEM. I delight in climbing into their cars and strapping myself in. I won't say there isn't a single coaster I won't ride because the one where you stand the entire time has no appeal, but there are very few that, well, intimidate me.
And so it was with the Intimidator 305. I climbed in, strapped in, and got ready for an amazing right. And I was doing fine the entire 305 foot climb the apex, which is an 85 degree angle drop. We start going down! I scream! I...black out!? WHAFUH? Yes, y'all, I blacked out on the I305. I climbed out of that thing crying and moaning, "oh my God" over and over again. Now, I just need a t-shirt for that - "I blacked out on the Intimadtor 305!" It'd be epic.
The scary stuff later that evening wasn't so scary, but whenever you do that kind of thing, go with someone who is easily scared by it. It makes the experience that much more scary and weirdly more hilarious.
-+-
The following weekend, Karlene came for a visit to our nation's capital. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to meet up with her until after work on Friday, though she came in Thursday evening. And I had to finagle my way to get out early. So I spent a long, funfilled weekend wandering around, and getting lost in, the fun bits of DC. I also was able to meet up with Liz L. and Monique and Karlene's awesome friend Jen. We had a long, strange conversation on the ride home about the shitasticness that is Kaiser Permanente and the awesomeness that is hockey (hockey is awesome, why did no one tell me sooner?)
-+-
After two consecutive weekends of fun! Fun! FUN! I was unable to get back onto a regular exercise schedule. As such, I'm once again trying to slog through Week 6 Day 2. But, I actually looked forward to running today which is a switch from the past two weeks were knee/shin pain was making every attempt at run a misery. I didn't complete this workout, but considering the almost month long lapse in actual exercise, I'm counting today as a win anyway.
Except for the bit where a dog charged at me from her doorway, growling and "boofing" (not straight up barking, she was growling too much for that). I now understand why runners fear dogs. It's down right scary to have a large animal run up to you growling. I, being the brave soul that I am, came to a screeching halt. Yes, literally. I waited until the owner had her attention and then I bolted. Yet another street marked off my mental map of my neighborhood. *sigh*
-+-
Robin Hood was diagnosed with irritable bowl syndrome and I once again have a ferret that will be on medication for the rest of his life. At least this isn't fatal? *double sigh*
Farragut North has rings on his tail! Two of them and the very tip is dark gray so it could almost be considered the third. He's the cutest little thing.
I need to get pictures of them up soon.
-+-
Copenhagen/Stockholm/Oslo world wind tour 2012, y/y? Who needs stinkin' London Olympics!
Why does technology hate me?!
Oct. 20th, 2010 08:23 pmMy phone died. I've only had it for, like, five months. (I had to replace my iPod Touch after six and my new one is dying [after almost four months]). I'm hoping that being on the charger will resurrect it, but I doubt it. At least it's under warranty...?
And of course, I didn't save my contacts list, so that's now gone too. I'll get my old contacts list from my old phone which is only five months out of date, but you may see an email requesting updated information soon.
But seriously, why does technology hate me? I mean, I can't even wear nice watches! They never keep time correctly unless it's a digital face. And trust me, purple plastic is not always the most appropriate of accessories. Neither is a skull and crossbones, but at least that watch band is black leather. (And that one never died on me, maybe I should wear it more often).
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In other news, I will once again be making my pilgrimage to Williamsburg for the Candlelight Concert at Bruton Parish in Historic Williamsburg. As always, it's the second Thursday of the month (12/9 this year), and I usually go down to Virginia Beach as well Friday evening or Saturday morning.
No arrangements have been made as of yet re: hotels and such, so my plans are a little flexible, but I'd love to see everyone while I'm down there! :)
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I've been thinking (very idly) of making a blog called "Running on Concrete." Mostly because a) you shouldn't run on concrete, b) my body is retarded and doesn't like to run on anything but concrete and c) Running on Concrete is an awesome title. This will probably never come to fruition, but I still wanted to name to get out there. It's been percolating in my brain for weeks.
I'm now currently on Week 6 of the C25K program. After getting over the mental road block of Week 3, Weeks 4 and 5 were a breeze (even the 25 minute run). But now that I'm back to intervals on Week 6, I'm once again finding it difficult to push through the exercises. I actually gave up half way through Week 6 Day 2 today (5 min warm up, 10 run, 3 walk, 10 run, 4 min cool down). I'm blaming the weather (cold, dreary, cloudy, yucky) for today, but there will be no excuse for not getting through it on Friday.
To keep me motivated through the winter, I'm planning on signing up for a 5k run in the spring. This means, of course, that I actually have to be able to run a 5k by the time spring rolls around. Now, I just have to find a 5k in the area (not that that will be difficult at all) and convince myself that, no, really I want to do it. And then not wuss out at the last minute.
C'mon, it took me four years to get to the point of running in public. It may take another four just to get me to the race. I may always be late to the party, but at least I usually show up.
Mostly.
And of course, I didn't save my contacts list, so that's now gone too. I'll get my old contacts list from my old phone which is only five months out of date, but you may see an email requesting updated information soon.
But seriously, why does technology hate me? I mean, I can't even wear nice watches! They never keep time correctly unless it's a digital face. And trust me, purple plastic is not always the most appropriate of accessories. Neither is a skull and crossbones, but at least that watch band is black leather. (And that one never died on me, maybe I should wear it more often).
-+-
In other news, I will once again be making my pilgrimage to Williamsburg for the Candlelight Concert at Bruton Parish in Historic Williamsburg. As always, it's the second Thursday of the month (12/9 this year), and I usually go down to Virginia Beach as well Friday evening or Saturday morning.
No arrangements have been made as of yet re: hotels and such, so my plans are a little flexible, but I'd love to see everyone while I'm down there! :)
-+-
I've been thinking (very idly) of making a blog called "Running on Concrete." Mostly because a) you shouldn't run on concrete, b) my body is retarded and doesn't like to run on anything but concrete and c) Running on Concrete is an awesome title. This will probably never come to fruition, but I still wanted to name to get out there. It's been percolating in my brain for weeks.
I'm now currently on Week 6 of the C25K program. After getting over the mental road block of Week 3, Weeks 4 and 5 were a breeze (even the 25 minute run). But now that I'm back to intervals on Week 6, I'm once again finding it difficult to push through the exercises. I actually gave up half way through Week 6 Day 2 today (5 min warm up, 10 run, 3 walk, 10 run, 4 min cool down). I'm blaming the weather (cold, dreary, cloudy, yucky) for today, but there will be no excuse for not getting through it on Friday.
To keep me motivated through the winter, I'm planning on signing up for a 5k run in the spring. This means, of course, that I actually have to be able to run a 5k by the time spring rolls around. Now, I just have to find a 5k in the area (not that that will be difficult at all) and convince myself that, no, really I want to do it. And then not wuss out at the last minute.
C'mon, it took me four years to get to the point of running in public. It may take another four just to get me to the race. I may always be late to the party, but at least I usually show up.
Mostly.
(no subject)
Sep. 12th, 2010 07:30 amThis morning I dreamt of Vincent so vividly as my craggy, cranky old man with Christmas bells tied to his tail and him all puffed and being told that he only had a couple of weeks to live, that it was a punch in the gut when I woke only to realize that I couldn't go downstairs to cuddle the bad dream away because he was already gone.
What a crappy way to wake up.
What a crappy way to wake up.
(no subject)
Sep. 8th, 2010 08:20 pmIf pain is your body's way of saying, "Don't be an idiot," then my body right now is screaming, "Heather, you are a moron!"
Let's back this up a bit.
Four weeks ago, I decided that I wanted to actually not be a fat slob anymore. The only difference between this time and all other times that predate this time is that I *gasp* followed through. After a week of walking, I remembered a previous desire to learn how to jog properly. Thus I searched through my dim memories (this was almost four years ago), and recalled a program that I had seen online. And then I found it - the guide to help ease your way into exercising.
C25K or Couch to 5K. It's interval training to get an absolute novice (aka me) into running roughly 5k (or jogging for thirty minutes or so straight) within only 9 short weeks. Three weeks in I can tell you one thing - it's not going to take me nine weeks. It is most definitely going to take much, much longer than that.
I'm currently on week three which includes intervals of the following:
5 min warm up (I usually stretch at some point during this time)
90 sec jog
90 sec walk
3 min jog
3 min walk
90 sec jog
90 sec walk
3 min jog
4+ min walk (cool down)
I usually stretch once I get home before I wash up
The other two weeks it only took four tries (that's only one additional try per week) to get through the whole routine without a) stopping or b) wanting to kill myself. For some reason, however, this week is kicking my ass. I don't know if it's a mental thing and I'm balking at jogging for three minutes straight twice in one work out or if I'm just over exerting myself trying to get to the track faster (I walk there, and it takes me about eight minutes to get there, but I don't want to stretch until I get there because there's a convenient fence to use as a hold, so I can't start the program until I get about three minutes away...) or what.
The first time through it wasn't too bad, I choked on the last five seconds (sudden cramp in my right Achilles tendon) of the last 3 min jog and then a long limp home. Today's issue, which is only the second attempt, I got a massive stomach cramp that moved from my left side to my right side and I still had an eight minute walk home. I want to be able to get through the whole thing with no issues on Friday, but it may or may not happen. I made it through week two without needing an extra day, but I think I'll have to have it this time.
I have to say, though, I'm enjoying this jogging thing much more than I thought. There was a time, for a glorious minute in a half where I stopped thinking about what my body was doing and just let thoughts drift through my mind as they would. No conscious effort to think about anything in particular or to run. I hope that I'll be able to achieve that level of contentment with all my runs in the future, no matter how long those moments my last.
Let's back this up a bit.
Four weeks ago, I decided that I wanted to actually not be a fat slob anymore. The only difference between this time and all other times that predate this time is that I *gasp* followed through. After a week of walking, I remembered a previous desire to learn how to jog properly. Thus I searched through my dim memories (this was almost four years ago), and recalled a program that I had seen online. And then I found it - the guide to help ease your way into exercising.
C25K or Couch to 5K. It's interval training to get an absolute novice (aka me) into running roughly 5k (or jogging for thirty minutes or so straight) within only 9 short weeks. Three weeks in I can tell you one thing - it's not going to take me nine weeks. It is most definitely going to take much, much longer than that.
I'm currently on week three which includes intervals of the following:
5 min warm up (I usually stretch at some point during this time)
90 sec jog
90 sec walk
3 min jog
3 min walk
90 sec jog
90 sec walk
3 min jog
4+ min walk (cool down)
I usually stretch once I get home before I wash up
The other two weeks it only took four tries (that's only one additional try per week) to get through the whole routine without a) stopping or b) wanting to kill myself. For some reason, however, this week is kicking my ass. I don't know if it's a mental thing and I'm balking at jogging for three minutes straight twice in one work out or if I'm just over exerting myself trying to get to the track faster (I walk there, and it takes me about eight minutes to get there, but I don't want to stretch until I get there because there's a convenient fence to use as a hold, so I can't start the program until I get about three minutes away...) or what.
The first time through it wasn't too bad, I choked on the last five seconds (sudden cramp in my right Achilles tendon) of the last 3 min jog and then a long limp home. Today's issue, which is only the second attempt, I got a massive stomach cramp that moved from my left side to my right side and I still had an eight minute walk home. I want to be able to get through the whole thing with no issues on Friday, but it may or may not happen. I made it through week two without needing an extra day, but I think I'll have to have it this time.
I have to say, though, I'm enjoying this jogging thing much more than I thought. There was a time, for a glorious minute in a half where I stopped thinking about what my body was doing and just let thoughts drift through my mind as they would. No conscious effort to think about anything in particular or to run. I hope that I'll be able to achieve that level of contentment with all my runs in the future, no matter how long those moments my last.
Well, it broke again, this time taking a bit of the tooth (and/or post, I'm not too sure at this point) with it. I don't have an appointment until Wed at 3:40 to get the crown; I have a feeling that this will also be temporary (as it should have been in several months ago, and I'm not missing a piece of the tooth) and a new crown will be made. >(
So, lesson learned: DO WHAT YOUR DENTIST RECOMMENDS AF:LDKFJA:LKGJ:H:LSKDJF.
Dammit.
So, lesson learned: DO WHAT YOUR DENTIST RECOMMENDS AF:LDKFJA:LKGJ:H:LSKDJF.
Dammit.
So, How's Your Labor Day Weekend?
Sep. 6th, 2010 09:21 amI'm currently sitting in my Aunt's kitchen, idly playing with my broken temporary cap. It broke Thursday evening while eating a really very soft Ghiradelli square. The deed was completed a mere four hours ago, eating Bratwurst. I've got it crammed in with some Dentex, but it really fucking hurts and is hugely uncomfotable. I have a feeling that it's going to make the podfic (that my stupid ipod ate last night grrr) incredibly difficult.
RIP Feisty McBitey.
I only seem to update with bad news...
Jul. 19th, 2010 02:43 pmVincent has liver cancer. He went in for a liver biopsy and the vet found cancer, not to mention quite a bit of blood in his abdomen). I left work to go visit him and when I got there I found him...
Well. Perky, for lack of a better word. When he saw me he immediately lifted his head and presented it for scritches. I held him for about 30 minutes and got to watch his stitches seep (something that had happened last time, so I wasn't horribly concerned). He didn't try to move much but he did jerk every time a dog barked. I put him down a couple of times and the second time he went to the litter box. It took a lot of effort, but he eventually managed to get all the way in and use it. Then he pulled himself out and crawled into the sack they had to sleep in. At that point, I decided it was time to go, and I'll be seeing the vet at about 4:30 to discuss his options.
To be honest, when I got there, I thought I'd either come to a) a dead ferret or b) something like what Baby did after his surgery (or the time he went into diabetic shock). I was quite surprised to see him awake and aware, especially considering the vet wasn't sure he was even going to wake up.
I was fully prepared to go ahead and let him go, but now I'm not so sure. If he has the possibility of a decent quality of life for the next however long, I want him to have it. If not, well. That's what we'll be discussing at 4:30. :/
Well. Perky, for lack of a better word. When he saw me he immediately lifted his head and presented it for scritches. I held him for about 30 minutes and got to watch his stitches seep (something that had happened last time, so I wasn't horribly concerned). He didn't try to move much but he did jerk every time a dog barked. I put him down a couple of times and the second time he went to the litter box. It took a lot of effort, but he eventually managed to get all the way in and use it. Then he pulled himself out and crawled into the sack they had to sleep in. At that point, I decided it was time to go, and I'll be seeing the vet at about 4:30 to discuss his options.
To be honest, when I got there, I thought I'd either come to a) a dead ferret or b) something like what Baby did after his surgery (or the time he went into diabetic shock). I was quite surprised to see him awake and aware, especially considering the vet wasn't sure he was even going to wake up.
I was fully prepared to go ahead and let him go, but now I'm not so sure. If he has the possibility of a decent quality of life for the next however long, I want him to have it. If not, well. That's what we'll be discussing at 4:30. :/
(no subject)
Jun. 12th, 2010 02:07 pmI blame "Il Mare" for this. I re-watched it Thursday night. It's my goddamn gateway drug. Now I'm gleefully trolling the internet for good Korean movies. So far I've seen "The Classic" and "...ing" and bits of "A Moment to Remember" and "My Love, the Asshole" (or "100 Days with Mr. Arrogant," I like the original title, personally) and why are Korean movies so GODDAMN SAD!? I've yet to see one that I didn't bawl over like a baby. Jesus.
ETA: FFFFFFF UUUUUU KOREAN CINEMA. ARE THERE NO MOVIES WHERE PEOPLE DON'T DIE??? *bawls at the end of "Daddy Long Legs"*
ETA: FFFFFFF UUUUUU KOREAN CINEMA. ARE THERE NO MOVIES WHERE PEOPLE DON'T DIE??? *bawls at the end of "Daddy Long Legs"*
After much agonizing (and being dicked around *again* by the ferret shelter), I am now the proud owner of two beautiful little disease weasels - Farragut North and Robin Hood. I brought them home and set them up in a pen in the library and they played a bit while Vincent sniffed around the outside. After a few minutes I put him in the pen with the others and they played and played. Vincent was very gentle despite the fact that Robin managed to pin him twice with no major repercussions. They even ate together with absolutely no issues (Vincent enjoying the soft food while the babies attacked the hard food). Barring a vet visit, I soon hope to have them all sleeping together.
As for my allergies, I have a plan - which mostly consists of looking into the possibility of allergy shots (which my insurance now covers) for the ferrets. I am very pleased with my two new little guys
As for my allergies, I have a plan - which mostly consists of looking into the possibility of allergy shots (which my insurance now covers) for the ferrets. I am very pleased with my two new little guys
(no subject)
Mar. 17th, 2010 09:19 pmEver since Baby's death, I've been teetering on the edge of getting a friend for Vincent. In the hopes of getting on similar in age to him, I've been in contact with a local ferret shelter...who just cannot seem to get their shit together. I keep getting the run around and not answering my calls and getting no information and silence for weeks on end.
I want to adopt another ferret for Vincent. I want him to have a cage mate. I want another ferret because I think they are adorable and they bring me happiness. There are a ton a downsides to owning a ferret, but the goods are really fucking good y'know? Despite not being as many pros, the pros I do have are worth more than a few cons each.
But this shelter just...keeps living down to my expectations. I want to give a forever home to a ferret who needs it. For a lot of reasons, and not just because they've been abandoned. But this shelter and I cannot seem to get on the same page at all...and now that the pet store has little itty bitty baby ferts in need of a home, I kind of just want to...pick up two and give them a good home. So that they will never have to go through the process of being abandoned. :( But all the men folk are so dead set against it. I have to fight tooth and nail just to get an older fert as a companion for my Mister, and getting babies (no matter how adorable, and trust me they are so goddamned cute I can't stand it) would take a minor miracle.
Decisions, decisions.
I want to adopt another ferret for Vincent. I want him to have a cage mate. I want another ferret because I think they are adorable and they bring me happiness. There are a ton a downsides to owning a ferret, but the goods are really fucking good y'know? Despite not being as many pros, the pros I do have are worth more than a few cons each.
But this shelter just...keeps living down to my expectations. I want to give a forever home to a ferret who needs it. For a lot of reasons, and not just because they've been abandoned. But this shelter and I cannot seem to get on the same page at all...and now that the pet store has little itty bitty baby ferts in need of a home, I kind of just want to...pick up two and give them a good home. So that they will never have to go through the process of being abandoned. :( But all the men folk are so dead set against it. I have to fight tooth and nail just to get an older fert as a companion for my Mister, and getting babies (no matter how adorable, and trust me they are so goddamned cute I can't stand it) would take a minor miracle.
Decisions, decisions.
Not to self: crying over the accidental destruction of a (terribly beloved, 100% merino wool, gifted to you at Christmas two or three years ago) sweater is rather like crying over spilt milk - cathartic, but ultimately pointless. But good God DAMN did I love that sweater.
(no subject)
Feb. 19th, 2010 04:02 pmI knew today was going to suck when I woke up to my second alarm (having not even heard the first alarm) and immediately thought, "What day is it?" I was in a fugue state for most of the rest of the day.
The reason? I took Brandon to Urgent Care last night in Falls Church for chest pains, because I (nominally) knew where it was. DC Metro traffic struck again, and it took us almost an hour to get there, despite the fact that we were going in the opposite direction of (most) rush hour traffic. Whoo. Got home late last night and was just bloody tired all day. Felt like I didn't really do any work all day.
They checked him out, did an EKG, took an x-ray, and proclaimed him "fine." The reason for his chest pain? "Slightly higher then normal blood pressure." I don't know about you, but I don't buy it.
I will say this, if you ever need to see a doctor right away and the emergency room is packed? Complain of chest pains. He checked in and a minute later he was taken to the back.
The reason? I took Brandon to Urgent Care last night in Falls Church for chest pains, because I (nominally) knew where it was. DC Metro traffic struck again, and it took us almost an hour to get there, despite the fact that we were going in the opposite direction of (most) rush hour traffic. Whoo. Got home late last night and was just bloody tired all day. Felt like I didn't really do any work all day.
They checked him out, did an EKG, took an x-ray, and proclaimed him "fine." The reason for his chest pain? "Slightly higher then normal blood pressure." I don't know about you, but I don't buy it.
I will say this, if you ever need to see a doctor right away and the emergency room is packed? Complain of chest pains. He checked in and a minute later he was taken to the back.
And hey, leave the light on for me.
Feb. 2nd, 2010 09:37 pmI'm so fucking sick of snow. Snow all last week. Snow last weekend. Snow today. Snow tomorrow. Snow this weekend. Snow next week. Snow snow snow SNOW! D:< ARGH. EFFING SNOW CAN MELT NOW, KTHX.
It doubly sucks because MP goes into "Snow Emergency" mode at the first sign of "significant" (re: 3-6 inches of) accumulations, which means we have to cram the Mitsubishi, my car, and the dad's Tundra into our driveway or suffer the consequences. Stupid snow emergency route that goes NOWHERE. Literally goes to a dead end.
At least I've gained some driving chops in snow considering my adventures on I-270/I-495/I-66 when I came home from PA on Saturday. Amazing how much better my car does when the ABS breaks and the parking break engage all at once and stay on while driving. Very little sliding or fishtailing after that.
In ferret related news, I'm very worried about Vincent. Poor little guy seems so lonely without Baby. He's not really eating or drinking or playing, and now he's lost a significant amount of weight in the week that I was gone. I'm sure not having Baby to sleep with and then me not being around for a week didn't help. I'm going to have to make an appointment for him tomorrow (if they're open) and maybe see about getting him a companion from a rescue in the area. But I don't know if it would make it worse or better. :(
In HAPPY news, Travis has finally joined the ranks of the GAINFULLY EMPLOYED! WHOO! I'll probably never see him (he works night shift 7pm-7am, ugh) but finally gainfully employed! We're all very happy with this development. As for me, they're looking into adding additional responsibilities to my job description to help out in other parts of my office. But that won't happen until the May/June time frame (which would be right around the time I supposedly get my yearly review back...). This might mean certain folks get contacted by investigators again (sorry, guys, I know it's pain [trust me, I *know* it's a pain 9_9]). We'll see.
Hmm. Need to get to bed. Although, I might just take tomorrow off if we get liberal leave. It wasn't much fun driving out in there tonight, I can't imagine how it'll be at 5:30 tomorrow morning...
It doubly sucks because MP goes into "Snow Emergency" mode at the first sign of "significant" (re: 3-6 inches of) accumulations, which means we have to cram the Mitsubishi, my car, and the dad's Tundra into our driveway or suffer the consequences. Stupid snow emergency route that goes NOWHERE. Literally goes to a dead end.
At least I've gained some driving chops in snow considering my adventures on I-270/I-495/I-66 when I came home from PA on Saturday. Amazing how much better my car does when the ABS breaks and the parking break engage all at once and stay on while driving. Very little sliding or fishtailing after that.
In ferret related news, I'm very worried about Vincent. Poor little guy seems so lonely without Baby. He's not really eating or drinking or playing, and now he's lost a significant amount of weight in the week that I was gone. I'm sure not having Baby to sleep with and then me not being around for a week didn't help. I'm going to have to make an appointment for him tomorrow (if they're open) and maybe see about getting him a companion from a rescue in the area. But I don't know if it would make it worse or better. :(
In HAPPY news, Travis has finally joined the ranks of the GAINFULLY EMPLOYED! WHOO! I'll probably never see him (he works night shift 7pm-7am, ugh) but finally gainfully employed! We're all very happy with this development. As for me, they're looking into adding additional responsibilities to my job description to help out in other parts of my office. But that won't happen until the May/June time frame (which would be right around the time I supposedly get my yearly review back...). This might mean certain folks get contacted by investigators again (sorry, guys, I know it's pain [trust me, I *know* it's a pain 9_9]). We'll see.
Hmm. Need to get to bed. Although, I might just take tomorrow off if we get liberal leave. It wasn't much fun driving out in there tonight, I can't imagine how it'll be at 5:30 tomorrow morning...
Grove City, PA
Jan. 25th, 2010 08:05 pmIt's such a quaint...cute little town. So teeny. And tiny. And these people are so without a clue as to what, exactly, they want us to do, besides "help." Whatever that means.
The trip up was mostly uneventual, excepting the pouring down rain.
Bah. I'm too tired to think of what I actually want to talk about here. Hmph. It's been a weir day.
The trip up was mostly uneventual, excepting the pouring down rain.
Bah. I'm too tired to think of what I actually want to talk about here. Hmph. It's been a weir day.
Well, then.
Jan. 24th, 2010 08:33 pmTo everyone who has commented on everything that's happened this past week and half, I thank you. I'm probably not going to reply to the posts because it's just too hard to think about right now. Also, I realize now that the picture I put up wasn't perhaps the best - just know that that picture was taken about two and half years ago, and he was just rolling around on the couch.
Life has been a little weird since Baby crossed "The Rainbow Bridge." The most heartbreaking thing about this has been Vincent's inability to understand that Baby isn't coming back - every time I let him out of the cage, he circles the house looking for him, checking all of his favorite sleeping spots and gets really depressed when he can't find him. He's not really eating and only sporadically drinking, so I'm worried about my Mister. I'm not really sure what to do about it - if I should get another ferret or not as a companion (and maybe a distraction.)
Either way, a decision like that will have to wait until next weekend. Tomorrow I head off to the wilds of Pennsylvania to help out Altegrity's IT department with the launch of a new software initiative. I'm not entirely sure what the heck I'll be doing up there - I think it has something to do with the Help Desk - but I'll be there.
I'm told it is quite literally the back end of nowhere. It's about an hour north of Pittsburgh (and my hotel is about 45 minutes north of that), I'm expecting it to be a) cold, b) snowy, and c) kinda boring. Yay lake effect snow. I return on Saturday (though my co-workers are coming back Friday night, I thought, since it's roughly six hours away, staying until Saturday would be a better idea as I don't want to be a schmear on the pavement Friday night). We'll see how this goes.
Life has been a little weird since Baby crossed "The Rainbow Bridge." The most heartbreaking thing about this has been Vincent's inability to understand that Baby isn't coming back - every time I let him out of the cage, he circles the house looking for him, checking all of his favorite sleeping spots and gets really depressed when he can't find him. He's not really eating and only sporadically drinking, so I'm worried about my Mister. I'm not really sure what to do about it - if I should get another ferret or not as a companion (and maybe a distraction.)
Either way, a decision like that will have to wait until next weekend. Tomorrow I head off to the wilds of Pennsylvania to help out Altegrity's IT department with the launch of a new software initiative. I'm not entirely sure what the heck I'll be doing up there - I think it has something to do with the Help Desk - but I'll be there.
I'm told it is quite literally the back end of nowhere. It's about an hour north of Pittsburgh (and my hotel is about 45 minutes north of that), I'm expecting it to be a) cold, b) snowy, and c) kinda boring. Yay lake effect snow. I return on Saturday (though my co-workers are coming back Friday night, I thought, since it's roughly six hours away, staying until Saturday would be a better idea as I don't want to be a schmear on the pavement Friday night). We'll see how this goes.
