and a dead camera battery. *sigh*
Instead, I will tell you about the super-secret, oh-wow! experience I had yesterday with PC. PC took me to a place that I had never even heard about... the Bodega.
If you are like PC and into sneakers (PC is a sneaker-ho... he loves sneakers, all kinds, all brands... it's an endearing quality that he lusts after a pair of black and green Jordan's like a 15 year old boy on his first date)--- you must get to the Bodega.
Good luck finding it.
I will say, it's in BackBay, it's cleverly hidden and I'm very glad I didn't go alone. They have taken a typical 'corner store' storefront and used it cleverly hide a shop--- inside the store! You walk into what looks like it could be a crackden, go directly past the scary looking guys sitting at the folding table (playing on a laptop) and through what seems to be a wall. Trust is everything at this point. Welcome to the Bodega.
No sneakers followed us home, but a t-shirt did. It's rockin'!
Off to Portland Maine today with my PC... it's all about the Downeaster train ride and less about Maine.
Will blog again tomorrow... with a photo of my Shalom cardigan in progress and some cool stitch markers. :)
Friday, August 21, 2009
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
411
Since the acceptance letter is printed, signed and on its way to the employer, I can give up some info about the job. I do try to keep some anonymity on the blog, as I believe separating work from home is a little like separating church from state: required for the sanctity of both.
So, I will no longer be a scientista as of early September. I'm leaving the comfort zone of my favored field of work: lab science. I was a good scientist, not a great one. I knew/know a lot of about a lot of different subjects within my field, but I wasn't going to cure cancer anytime soon. Nor was I going to get much 'higher' on the totem pole without the PhD after my name. Before this, I got 'up' by using my talents and my ability to negotiate. After the layoff, it was 'where from here?'
I applied to a position I never thought in a million years I would hear back from. I had made a deal with myself in the beginning: try for the 'big career change' job for 3 months, then you are banking on 10 years of good lab expertise and trying to get paid. Sounds reasonable, no? Friends, PC --- all were very helpful. I tried everything and heard back from one position that I was candidate #2 for. Oh, I was pissed. I thought I had that one nailed.
So, back to this job. I thought it was interesting. I was intrigued... but I never thought they'd call back. I spent 3 days crafting my resume and cover letter. I sent them off and promptly forgot about it. Fast forward a few weeks: a phone call. They want to talk to me! Over the phone... Ah, they are weeding out the 'duds'. I pass the phone call! I go in for interview #1.... wow! I really want this job! I wait... get project assigned and date for interview #2! Work on project for a full week... research, write, re-write, evaluate, change, change back, more research... and then the interview. I am prepared. Confident. 4 interviewers later...and 3 hours... a trip to lunch with VP and HR. Small talk, order meals... .make offer. Ask for weekend, knowing I will accept, but need time to do private happy dance. So, I am a scientific conference content producer. I'm not sure my actual title yet, but that's a close guess.
A good knitting friend hooked me up with one of her friends for an informational interview for this new field. It was such an amazing advantage. This was something I did throughout my search, I networked not only for jobs, but for information: about companies, positions, roles... and it helped.
So, I will no longer be a scientista as of early September. I'm leaving the comfort zone of my favored field of work: lab science. I was a good scientist, not a great one. I knew/know a lot of about a lot of different subjects within my field, but I wasn't going to cure cancer anytime soon. Nor was I going to get much 'higher' on the totem pole without the PhD after my name. Before this, I got 'up' by using my talents and my ability to negotiate. After the layoff, it was 'where from here?'
I applied to a position I never thought in a million years I would hear back from. I had made a deal with myself in the beginning: try for the 'big career change' job for 3 months, then you are banking on 10 years of good lab expertise and trying to get paid. Sounds reasonable, no? Friends, PC --- all were very helpful. I tried everything and heard back from one position that I was candidate #2 for. Oh, I was pissed. I thought I had that one nailed.
So, back to this job. I thought it was interesting. I was intrigued... but I never thought they'd call back. I spent 3 days crafting my resume and cover letter. I sent them off and promptly forgot about it. Fast forward a few weeks: a phone call. They want to talk to me! Over the phone... Ah, they are weeding out the 'duds'. I pass the phone call! I go in for interview #1.... wow! I really want this job! I wait... get project assigned and date for interview #2! Work on project for a full week... research, write, re-write, evaluate, change, change back, more research... and then the interview. I am prepared. Confident. 4 interviewers later...and 3 hours... a trip to lunch with VP and HR. Small talk, order meals... .make offer. Ask for weekend, knowing I will accept, but need time to do private happy dance. So, I am a scientific conference content producer. I'm not sure my actual title yet, but that's a close guess.
A good knitting friend hooked me up with one of her friends for an informational interview for this new field. It was such an amazing advantage. This was something I did throughout my search, I networked not only for jobs, but for information: about companies, positions, roles... and it helped.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Mazel Tov!
First, thanks for all the good wishes. I will fill in the blanks next week, once I have officially accepted the position (was reviewing the legal documents) and have calmed down a bit.
But, today... today is a great day.
7 years ago today, I had my first date with PC. It was 102 deg F, muggy and disgusting. And, we went to the Franklin Park Zoo after lunch at the Joshua Tree in Somerville, MA. He was super cute with his blue eyes, blonde hair and adorable smile.... and I guess I caught his fancy as well.
7 years, 3 moves, and 1 cat later... here we are.
We are celebrating today by going on a whale watch (we are already back and slightly sunburnt) and then dinner at the Capital Grille.
I can't explain how much I love PC or how much it means to me that he's tolerated the past 8 months of unemployment, but when you have seen us together, you know how much we love each other.
In the past 7 years, we've never....
In the past 7 years, we've learned....
PC, I love you more today than yesterday... but not as much as tomorrow. Happy 7th... and here's to 43 more... :)
xoxox
mini
But, today... today is a great day.
7 years ago today, I had my first date with PC. It was 102 deg F, muggy and disgusting. And, we went to the Franklin Park Zoo after lunch at the Joshua Tree in Somerville, MA. He was super cute with his blue eyes, blonde hair and adorable smile.... and I guess I caught his fancy as well.
7 years, 3 moves, and 1 cat later... here we are.
We are celebrating today by going on a whale watch (we are already back and slightly sunburnt) and then dinner at the Capital Grille.
I can't explain how much I love PC or how much it means to me that he's tolerated the past 8 months of unemployment, but when you have seen us together, you know how much we love each other.
In the past 7 years, we've never....
- gone to bed angry
- said mean things intentionally
- broken up
- cheated
- spoken ill of each other
In the past 7 years, we've learned....
- patience
- forgiveness
- acceptance
- tolerance
- faith
- and that love can truly grow.
PC, I love you more today than yesterday... but not as much as tomorrow. Happy 7th... and here's to 43 more... :)
xoxox
mini
Friday, August 14, 2009
OMG
I GOT A JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
details to follow... right now, I just want to run around in my excitement. :)
details to follow... right now, I just want to run around in my excitement. :)
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Baby Knitting....
So, my friend Lisa decided to have a baby. In North Carolina. I guess this is acceptable b/c well... she lives there with her hubby. They own a house, two cars and two wee kittens, so I guess it was way more practical for me to go to her. So off I went on a Boston-Raleigh flight last weekend for a baby shower. Now, most of you know that I would pretty much do anything for my friends, but I really never thought I'd fly 2 hours for a baby shower. Drive 2 hours? Sure! But fly?
And, this is no ordinary friend. This friend and her hubster have an unusual pedigree: she's 1/2 Jewish and Cuban, he's Indian. A beautiful baby will be arriving soon, but c'mon: this kid is NOT going to do well in pastels. You know, I know.... they know. So, I made the wee-one-to-be a quilt... full of reds, sages, and buttery yellows....
And matching bumpers.
And a sweater.
And I iron-on'd (is this a word??) some cute decals to some onesies.
Moving on... I'm working on a baby sweater and 2 pair of socks, one for me, one for PC.
And, this is no ordinary friend. This friend and her hubster have an unusual pedigree: she's 1/2 Jewish and Cuban, he's Indian. A beautiful baby will be arriving soon, but c'mon: this kid is NOT going to do well in pastels. You know, I know.... they know. So, I made the wee-one-to-be a quilt... full of reds, sages, and buttery yellows....
And matching bumpers.
And a sweater.
And I iron-on'd (is this a word??) some cute decals to some onesies.
Moving on... I'm working on a baby sweater and 2 pair of socks, one for me, one for PC.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Adult?
I read something online earlier this week about being a grown-up. How do you recognize this feat? When do we really feel "adult?"
I can say for me; moving in with PC. First time I really felt like I had my shit under control and that my life was moving in the right direction. Had the boy, had the apartment and soon after, had the cat. I have a friend who once told me "the day I realized that I don't have to call my mom back." I look around me and see all of our friends in the midst of various "adulthood": getting married, having babies, having 2nd babies(!!!), buying houses, buying 2nd houses, getting divorced, working a new career, staying home, and movin' along with life. Last year, I bought a car without asking my dad about it. I've never done that. We chose this apartment (and the one before it) without any input. I've been terrified in an ER in the middle of the night, waiting alone... praying. It took me 31.8 years to realize that there are different kinds of 'adults'... and that's okay.
Sometimes I feel like I am standing completely still while the world moves around me and then I look at where I am. I am here. In my life and I am happy. I look at PC, who gives me stupid grins when I get a little morose about who we are and where we're at. We're not everyone else. We are us.
So, what was the first thing that made you feel like an adult?
The job hunt continues... and the knitting, the knitting is good... I will blog about knitting sometime this weekend, promise!
I can say for me; moving in with PC. First time I really felt like I had my shit under control and that my life was moving in the right direction. Had the boy, had the apartment and soon after, had the cat. I have a friend who once told me "the day I realized that I don't have to call my mom back." I look around me and see all of our friends in the midst of various "adulthood": getting married, having babies, having 2nd babies(!!!), buying houses, buying 2nd houses, getting divorced, working a new career, staying home, and movin' along with life. Last year, I bought a car without asking my dad about it. I've never done that. We chose this apartment (and the one before it) without any input. I've been terrified in an ER in the middle of the night, waiting alone... praying. It took me 31.8 years to realize that there are different kinds of 'adults'... and that's okay.
Sometimes I feel like I am standing completely still while the world moves around me and then I look at where I am. I am here. In my life and I am happy. I look at PC, who gives me stupid grins when I get a little morose about who we are and where we're at. We're not everyone else. We are us.
So, what was the first thing that made you feel like an adult?
The job hunt continues... and the knitting, the knitting is good... I will blog about knitting sometime this weekend, promise!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
1, 2, 3, 4.....
I love this song... and I like the video even more.
This one's for PC. :) 7 years strong in August.
This one's for PC. :) 7 years strong in August.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Mama's Girl
Pumpkin is a mama's girl lately. All day long, she's twirling around my feet, making "birdie" sounds at me... bringing me toys. The past two days have involved jumping onto the back of the computer chair and trying to peek at me OVER my head. Yes, I have had a 12 lb orange cat on my head more than once this week.
She's always been a follower: she needs to know where we are at all times. And, if we are in separate rooms, she positions herself to see both of us equally. :)
On lonely days, she's the best friend I have. On other days, she's a dangerous tripping hazard.
PC's always said that I hold her too much and kiss her too much... but lately, when I've tried to back off on that, she comes looking for it. We have a morning snuggle every day where I hold her and scratch her back and she meows at me. In a loving way.
An entire post about the cat.
I need to knit more.
She's always been a follower: she needs to know where we are at all times. And, if we are in separate rooms, she positions herself to see both of us equally. :)
On lonely days, she's the best friend I have. On other days, she's a dangerous tripping hazard.
PC's always said that I hold her too much and kiss her too much... but lately, when I've tried to back off on that, she comes looking for it. We have a morning snuggle every day where I hold her and scratch her back and she meows at me. In a loving way.
An entire post about the cat.
I need to knit more.
Monday, July 13, 2009
I try and try not to whine
but today I need to.
I need a job. A j.o.b. I need to use my brain and go to work and make a living. I can't stay home. I can't watch any more tv. Even knitting is not enough anymore.
To the uninformed, who will of course comment " i wish i had free time!", being unemployed is NOT vacation. I don't sleep all day, wake up, drink coffee and eat bon bons. I don't shop all day long. I don't do long lunches. I get up, drink coffee, search for jobs, call people (border on harrassment), email people, bug my recruiters, fill out job applications, and wait for the phone to ring. I also do the laundry, cook the meals, shop for food, keep the house manageable and try not to kill myself. This last part, getting harder. I'm tired of being out of work. I'm tired of my gut sinking each time I hear "oh, we offered the job to another candidate". I want to know why I even bother sending my resume around when no one wants to read it. Or no one does read it.
I want to know why the crazy drugged out (admittedly so, on 'medication') interview went well and Mr. Stoner forgot to call me to offer me the job. And, when I called to see the status of the job, I was told I'd have to re-interview b/c he didn't remember me. Oh, why bother??? Will he remember this time? He still sounded stoned and was still (admittedly) on drugs.
Why do the interviewers smile and say how great I am to turn around and say I am overqualified? Or underqualified? Just once, I'd like the interview to end one of two ways:
1) "Sorry, you are not what we are looking for: good luck"
2) "hooray! you're here! Don't leave, we're going to go get you a bucket of money"
Now, the 2nd might be a stretch, but why tell me that you'll be making a decision and that you'll let me know, but never call me? HR PERSONNEL: I know your job is hard, and is getting harder, but a LITTLE HONESTY goes a LONG way with job candidates.
I'm whiny. I'm emotionally exhausted. I am really tired of our friends dodging us b/c I'm not working. And I am really tired of being me.
Say a prayer, make a wish or better yet... help me get a job.
10 year biochemist with lab management and product management experience and BA degree in Boston seeks a home. Will work hard for honest working wage.
I need a job. A j.o.b. I need to use my brain and go to work and make a living. I can't stay home. I can't watch any more tv. Even knitting is not enough anymore.
To the uninformed, who will of course comment " i wish i had free time!", being unemployed is NOT vacation. I don't sleep all day, wake up, drink coffee and eat bon bons. I don't shop all day long. I don't do long lunches. I get up, drink coffee, search for jobs, call people (border on harrassment), email people, bug my recruiters, fill out job applications, and wait for the phone to ring. I also do the laundry, cook the meals, shop for food, keep the house manageable and try not to kill myself. This last part, getting harder. I'm tired of being out of work. I'm tired of my gut sinking each time I hear "oh, we offered the job to another candidate". I want to know why I even bother sending my resume around when no one wants to read it. Or no one does read it.
I want to know why the crazy drugged out (admittedly so, on 'medication') interview went well and Mr. Stoner forgot to call me to offer me the job. And, when I called to see the status of the job, I was told I'd have to re-interview b/c he didn't remember me. Oh, why bother??? Will he remember this time? He still sounded stoned and was still (admittedly) on drugs.
Why do the interviewers smile and say how great I am to turn around and say I am overqualified? Or underqualified? Just once, I'd like the interview to end one of two ways:
1) "Sorry, you are not what we are looking for: good luck"
2) "hooray! you're here! Don't leave, we're going to go get you a bucket of money"
Now, the 2nd might be a stretch, but why tell me that you'll be making a decision and that you'll let me know, but never call me? HR PERSONNEL: I know your job is hard, and is getting harder, but a LITTLE HONESTY goes a LONG way with job candidates.
I'm whiny. I'm emotionally exhausted. I am really tired of our friends dodging us b/c I'm not working. And I am really tired of being me.
Say a prayer, make a wish or better yet... help me get a job.
10 year biochemist with lab management and product management experience and BA degree in Boston seeks a home. Will work hard for honest working wage.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
Buck, Buck, Buck
This concept had us laughing so hard at the guild meeting last night, I just had to share. One of our members is knitting one purely to see how the garment is made.
Sweaters.For.Chickens.
Please, click away!
Sweaters.For.Chickens.
Please, click away!
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Oh Canada!
PC and I are leaving in the wee hours of the morning tomorrow for trip we've talked about for 7 years... we're going to Niagara Falls. It's only a mere 8 hours in the car on the way out... combined with a stop at GoldLine in Rochester, NY for curling supplies. Yup. Curling. PC has been struck by the curling bug this past winter and it's time to get him his own broom. No curling shops here in Massachusetts, so we're stopping along the way.
So, b/c we won't see you:
Happy Canada Day!
Happy Fourth of July!
I've packed rain gear, my camera and the computer... and a kiri shawl and a sock. 8 hours of knitting err.... driving! :)
-Mini
So, b/c we won't see you:
Happy Canada Day!
Happy Fourth of July!
I've packed rain gear, my camera and the computer... and a kiri shawl and a sock. 8 hours of knitting err.... driving! :)
-Mini
Monday, June 29, 2009
Make New Friends.....
But keep the old,
One is silver
and the other gold.
Wow. Anyone else have a Girl Scout flashback?
Meet Betty. Betty B. Bee, a new friend in these parts... in fact, she's no longer living here. She was passed along to Mari's daughter, Noodle, who turned 1 this week! She's one! My god! And, she was immediately nibbled on, so therefore, the doll is a success! Noodle's b-day was full of banana-muffin/cupcakes (with pink frosting) that were a hit with the birthday girl. And I hope that the frosting comes off her dress. :)
Pattern: sunflower children from Twist Collective
Yarn: Cascade 220
Needles: US 2
"when do we leave for Noodle's house??? I wanna go NOW!!"
My cousin S's daughter is turning two. Wow. I can't believe it. S has to be my favorite cousin out of the zillion. Her daughter is simply an amazing young lady too... I love knitting for her. :)
Pattern: poppy by Ysolda Teague
Yarn: Cascade 220 (100% wool), yellow, white, black. Cherry Tree Hill superwash sock yarn for dress.
Needles: US 2
Notes: this took less than 8 total hours to knit.
One is silver
and the other gold.
Wow. Anyone else have a Girl Scout flashback?
Meet Betty. Betty B. Bee, a new friend in these parts... in fact, she's no longer living here. She was passed along to Mari's daughter, Noodle, who turned 1 this week! She's one! My god! And, she was immediately nibbled on, so therefore, the doll is a success! Noodle's b-day was full of banana-muffin/cupcakes (with pink frosting) that were a hit with the birthday girl. And I hope that the frosting comes off her dress. :)
Pattern: sunflower children from Twist Collective
Yarn: Cascade 220
Needles: US 2
"when do we leave for Noodle's house??? I wanna go NOW!!"
My cousin S's daughter is turning two. Wow. I can't believe it. S has to be my favorite cousin out of the zillion. Her daughter is simply an amazing young lady too... I love knitting for her. :)
Pattern: poppy by Ysolda Teague
Yarn: Cascade 220 (100% wool), yellow, white, black. Cherry Tree Hill superwash sock yarn for dress.
Needles: US 2
Notes: this took less than 8 total hours to knit.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
How's about a Red Scarf?
A bee (like the ladybug) has been knit and I am waiting until tomorrow to post some photos... she's very cute and for my sweet Noodle, who will be turning 1 next week! Yikes!
But, now it's like .... what to knit? I want to knit a Feb lady sweater, but that requires addressing some body issues with a measuring tape and well, we don't want to do that on a rainy dreary week... it might induce suicidal thoughts.
So, what to knit? Done with socks for now. Considered mittens.
I know!
A. Red. Scarf.
How about you? Will you knit a red scarf this year?
But, now it's like .... what to knit? I want to knit a Feb lady sweater, but that requires addressing some body issues with a measuring tape and well, we don't want to do that on a rainy dreary week... it might induce suicidal thoughts.
So, what to knit? Done with socks for now. Considered mittens.
I know!
A. Red. Scarf.
How about you? Will you knit a red scarf this year?
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Home Sweet Home
And, I finally have some photos. Ignore the messes and the general "cluttered" feeling in some of the rooms... it's a work in progress. The craft/office space is still under construction as PC needs some space to do some CD organizing (he has a magical system... it involves sitting among the CDs) and I need to maneuver some stuff "away".
In through the front door....
Living room... w/ recovered sofas...
Dining room.....
Dining room... other direction.
Leaving the dining room....
Single bath in the hall.....Love them penguins!!!
Entering kitchen....
Kitchen for cooking! Check out the NEW appliances!!!
Craft (crap) room--- office is behind where I am standing.
View off the back deck... a peach tree (next to shed) and a HUGE garden... attended to by our landlady, Carmella. :)
In through the front door....
Living room... w/ recovered sofas...
Dining room.....
Dining room... other direction.
Leaving the dining room....
Single bath in the hall.....Love them penguins!!!
Entering kitchen....
Kitchen for cooking! Check out the NEW appliances!!!
Craft (crap) room--- office is behind where I am standing.
View off the back deck... a peach tree (next to shed) and a HUGE garden... attended to by our landlady, Carmella. :)
Monday, June 01, 2009
Movin' on Up!
We're here. The new apartment is very cute and will shape up nicely... in a few days. Last night, we tackled the last room that we had yet to access (we haven't unpacked it, just accessed it): the office/craft room. And I found the high speed router. All is well again.
A quick story. We got this apartment the same day that Landlady McWeirdo came by to announce us "unfit for Middlesex Rd, Watertown". I had called a realtor (CRG Realty in Newton- ask for Kathy Iovieno) and told her our story. Well, she asked me 10 questions and then said "I'll call you back." Well, having heard that before, I was surprised when she called me back! The address she gave and time to see the apartment fit into our schedule. And the address? Well, the traffic was bad in front of our old apartment that day, so we walked to the listing. Walked. 984 feet.
The apartment is great. I orginally thought it might be too small... but the kitchen? To.die.for. Travertine tiles and stainless steel appliances. A large ceiling fan. Built in microwave. And spacious. 2 BR and attached living room and dining room ( archway in between) make it nice for socializing. :)
The furniture fits well (minus PC's recliner, which has been moved to a reading nook in the office-- maybe he'll work through the stack of books he's got) and the place looks good. The upstairs neighbor is the landlord's daughter and granddaughter and are super nice. Landlord is great too-- he was here all weekend, installing blinds and helping us out. Oh, and my fridge broke (wah!) so he's replacing it with a new one-- also matching stainless steel.
And, before the saga of the move, an apology to PC. I found yarn in every single room of our old apartment. I'm sorry. I never knew I turned our apartment in my yarn storage. I love you and I am sorry.
Moving. If you are in Metro Boston and need a mover, I am openly recommending Benny's Moving in Watertown, MA. They showed up EARLY and ready to move. Diego, the foreman, was great and they really moved stuff fast! We only had one victim: my kitchen island... but I think it was ready to break before they took the wheels off. Sylvie and Amy... I couldn't have done this without you! Both of my friends showed up (Sylvie the a.m. shift, and Amy after lunch) and really helped me get settled in. Sylvie kept the movers moving, assembled furniture, and expertly placed my dining room rug. Amy is the queen of the kitchen drawer liners... she lined every cabinet and drawer in the apartment. :)
Our parents (both sets) came by on Friday to drop off pizza (mine) and Pumpkin (PC's).
I will do a photo tour soon... once I can find the camera. :)
A quick story. We got this apartment the same day that Landlady McWeirdo came by to announce us "unfit for Middlesex Rd, Watertown". I had called a realtor (CRG Realty in Newton- ask for Kathy Iovieno) and told her our story. Well, she asked me 10 questions and then said "I'll call you back." Well, having heard that before, I was surprised when she called me back! The address she gave and time to see the apartment fit into our schedule. And the address? Well, the traffic was bad in front of our old apartment that day, so we walked to the listing. Walked. 984 feet.
The apartment is great. I orginally thought it might be too small... but the kitchen? To.die.for. Travertine tiles and stainless steel appliances. A large ceiling fan. Built in microwave. And spacious. 2 BR and attached living room and dining room ( archway in between) make it nice for socializing. :)
The furniture fits well (minus PC's recliner, which has been moved to a reading nook in the office-- maybe he'll work through the stack of books he's got) and the place looks good. The upstairs neighbor is the landlord's daughter and granddaughter and are super nice. Landlord is great too-- he was here all weekend, installing blinds and helping us out. Oh, and my fridge broke (wah!) so he's replacing it with a new one-- also matching stainless steel.
And, before the saga of the move, an apology to PC. I found yarn in every single room of our old apartment. I'm sorry. I never knew I turned our apartment in my yarn storage. I love you and I am sorry.
Moving. If you are in Metro Boston and need a mover, I am openly recommending Benny's Moving in Watertown, MA. They showed up EARLY and ready to move. Diego, the foreman, was great and they really moved stuff fast! We only had one victim: my kitchen island... but I think it was ready to break before they took the wheels off. Sylvie and Amy... I couldn't have done this without you! Both of my friends showed up (Sylvie the a.m. shift, and Amy after lunch) and really helped me get settled in. Sylvie kept the movers moving, assembled furniture, and expertly placed my dining room rug. Amy is the queen of the kitchen drawer liners... she lined every cabinet and drawer in the apartment. :)
Our parents (both sets) came by on Friday to drop off pizza (mine) and Pumpkin (PC's).
I will do a photo tour soon... once I can find the camera. :)
Friday, May 22, 2009
I have been knitting. I have. Ask anyone at the Island Yarn Company's Monday or Thursday knit night.... I've got one active knitting bag that has socks-in-progress b/c that's all I can handle right now. Truly.
What else could a gal in her 30s, with no job, be doing all day?
Packing.
Oh, good Lord, the boxes.
Piles of them.
Piles of newspaper.
Piles of trash.
If you don't hear from me for a week or so, it's because
1. I am moving and too busy
2. I am trapped in/under/behind a box and I need you to call the fire-rescue in Newton.
As PC, Pumpkin and I say good bye to what is our first home as a "family", it's sad to leave. While, we are upgrading and life is good... this is still our first home together and that brings with it a lot of memories. Christmases, special occasions, bringing Pumpkin home.... I keep getting more and more emotional.
Until I think about the kick-ass brand new stainless steel appliances waiting for me around the corner. Then, sad? Not so much. :)
-Mini
What else could a gal in her 30s, with no job, be doing all day?
Packing.
Oh, good Lord, the boxes.
Piles of them.
Piles of newspaper.
Piles of trash.
If you don't hear from me for a week or so, it's because
1. I am moving and too busy
2. I am trapped in/under/behind a box and I need you to call the fire-rescue in Newton.
As PC, Pumpkin and I say good bye to what is our first home as a "family", it's sad to leave. While, we are upgrading and life is good... this is still our first home together and that brings with it a lot of memories. Christmases, special occasions, bringing Pumpkin home.... I keep getting more and more emotional.
Until I think about the kick-ass brand new stainless steel appliances waiting for me around the corner. Then, sad? Not so much. :)
-Mini
Monday, May 18, 2009
Happy Dancing?
We have a home! PC and I will be inhabiting an apartment around the corner from our current place. Same neighborhood, better landlord (we hope, but so far, so good) and a pretty nice apartment.
Now, no job yet. And, I'm going to talk about it, so settle in. There's no job. I've been looking for 6 months. My field has openings, and yes, I've applied to them all, but I feel like a bad penny! Throughout my 10 year career, I've made some bad decisions and job-hopped a bit and now it's coming back to bite me in the tush. The reasons seem clear to me and I saw a good strong future at my old company so the lay-off was a shock. And, it's hard to explain to an HR person that I want this job and I'll stay with this position for years and years, when my resume says 'probably not."
How do you explain that throughout this you learned, you grew and you took responsibility for mistakes you made? Private things affected job decisions (like when my mom was so sick and I was the only one taking her to the ER and missing work? Laid off. They were nice about it, but I know why.) and I don't know how to explain it without sounding whiny.
I have interviewed for a great job and I was told "great fit!" and haven't heard anything. Two emails have gone unanswered. I want it, willing to work my butt off for it... and yet, nothing.
I'm really tired of not working. Of feeling like a mooch on PC. Of not having anywhere to be Mondays at 8am.
Any advice, suggestions and cheering up encouraged. Today's a bad day.
-Mini
Now, no job yet. And, I'm going to talk about it, so settle in. There's no job. I've been looking for 6 months. My field has openings, and yes, I've applied to them all, but I feel like a bad penny! Throughout my 10 year career, I've made some bad decisions and job-hopped a bit and now it's coming back to bite me in the tush. The reasons seem clear to me and I saw a good strong future at my old company so the lay-off was a shock. And, it's hard to explain to an HR person that I want this job and I'll stay with this position for years and years, when my resume says 'probably not."
How do you explain that throughout this you learned, you grew and you took responsibility for mistakes you made? Private things affected job decisions (like when my mom was so sick and I was the only one taking her to the ER and missing work? Laid off. They were nice about it, but I know why.) and I don't know how to explain it without sounding whiny.
I have interviewed for a great job and I was told "great fit!" and haven't heard anything. Two emails have gone unanswered. I want it, willing to work my butt off for it... and yet, nothing.
I'm really tired of not working. Of feeling like a mooch on PC. Of not having anywhere to be Mondays at 8am.
Any advice, suggestions and cheering up encouraged. Today's a bad day.
-Mini
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Movin' On...
Well, better things must be in our future... thanks for the commiseration with us. Being told that you're "not the right people for the apartment" brings up a few emotions: anger, disappointment, confusion, and feeling diminutive. I think what I struggle is this: we're good people who have been trying hard. We don't have great furniture, I do the best I can do with the apartment I have, and well, if that's not good enough, than what is? PC and I have decided to leave it alone and just simply move on. But it's hard. You wonder "what was is about US that makes us wrong for this place?" and then you wake up at 2am and realize: it's her, not us. She's the one with the problem.
Karma will kick her in the ass or at least down a flight of stairs one of these days.
How's about some knitting?
Pattern: Baby Blanket ( my own)
Yarn : Shetland Chunky (blue and brown- 3 skeins of each)
Needles: US 10
Notes: I knit this for a friend who's expecting baby #2... well, now. She's due right around now and she's a woman who really appreciates the handknits! And since baby #2 is a boy... blue and brown are so chic and so fun... it was a match made in heaven . Or Pottery Barn. :) Simple pattern: Cast on 22 stitches, knit 36 rows of garter, change colors, rinse and repeat. Make 5 strips of 5 "blocks" and stitch together. I did a simple crocheted edging.
Meet Abby. Abby was named by her new "mommy", the big sister of the baby-on-the-way. I think it's hard for 2-3 year olds to understand the whole new baby thing, so a new toy might help ease the pain of the baby getting a lot of attention. She's a great little girl who loves loves dolls... so this is perfect. I used the same pattern from Twist as my ladybug for Noodle. I made the dress separate so she can practice "dressing her babies". And, for her birthday, a few teddy bear/ Cabbage Patch kid sweaters are needed and some new clothes for the Abby doll. I am thinking more dresses (at least two), pants, tops and of course, undies for the potty training. :)
I am so happy at her face.... she looks so happy, playful and not at all scary. :) I'm addicted to making these dolls. I have one more to make: a bee for Noodle's first birthday (in 5 short weeks!!!)
Karma will kick her in the ass or at least down a flight of stairs one of these days.
How's about some knitting?
Pattern: Baby Blanket ( my own)
Yarn : Shetland Chunky (blue and brown- 3 skeins of each)
Needles: US 10
Notes: I knit this for a friend who's expecting baby #2... well, now. She's due right around now and she's a woman who really appreciates the handknits! And since baby #2 is a boy... blue and brown are so chic and so fun... it was a match made in heaven . Or Pottery Barn. :) Simple pattern: Cast on 22 stitches, knit 36 rows of garter, change colors, rinse and repeat. Make 5 strips of 5 "blocks" and stitch together. I did a simple crocheted edging.
Meet Abby. Abby was named by her new "mommy", the big sister of the baby-on-the-way. I think it's hard for 2-3 year olds to understand the whole new baby thing, so a new toy might help ease the pain of the baby getting a lot of attention. She's a great little girl who loves loves dolls... so this is perfect. I used the same pattern from Twist as my ladybug for Noodle. I made the dress separate so she can practice "dressing her babies". And, for her birthday, a few teddy bear/ Cabbage Patch kid sweaters are needed and some new clothes for the Abby doll. I am thinking more dresses (at least two), pants, tops and of course, undies for the potty training. :)
I am so happy at her face.... she looks so happy, playful and not at all scary. :) I'm addicted to making these dolls. I have one more to make: a bee for Noodle's first birthday (in 5 short weeks!!!)
Saturday, May 09, 2009
"not for bad luck....
I'd have no luck at all! "
I'm not sure who exactly who coined this phrase, but today: it's fitting.
So, I am going to talk trash about someone right now. I don't usually do this, but after reading, you might think I am vindicated.
Our new apartment comes with a whack-job of a landlord, complete with her own 18 points addendum to the lease. We ignored strong indications of the whack-jobness of this woman and signed anyway. Well, flash forward a week. We have a SIGNED lease and she hasn't cashed our checks yet. That's okay, we have a LEASE. And banks have been known to take their time with checks. Running home today, getting ready to head to a birthday party for a very special 2 year old, we get a phone call. It's the new landlady informing us she'll be at OUR current apartment in 10 minutes.
What????
I AM PACKING. Crap is EVERYWHERE. WHY is she coming over??
She claims to have shredded an important document and needed us to re-sign it. Um. Fishy?
Upon walking into our 1/2 packed apartment, she declares we are unsuitable for renting her precious apartment.
Did I mention the part where we changed our addresses with the post office, scheduled utilities to be turned off and on, etc?? Oh, and hired movers.
Let me take a moment to thank PC for being the man he is, not throwing her ass over teakettle down our stairs or punching her in the mouth. She basically told us we aren't clean enough.
What. the. fuck.
PC does have the presence of mind to demand our checks back, and once in hand (she keeps gabbing like we're all old friends now) tells her to "leave our house now."
So, if you are renting an apartment in WATERTOWN MASSACHUSETTS, near the high school--- email me. If' the address matches what we have been through, I will tell you the God's honest truth about what happened to us here.
And, because I know you guys will love these addendums to the standard lease, here are a few of them summarized:
I'm not sure who exactly who coined this phrase, but today: it's fitting.
So, I am going to talk trash about someone right now. I don't usually do this, but after reading, you might think I am vindicated.
Our new apartment comes with a whack-job of a landlord, complete with her own 18 points addendum to the lease. We ignored strong indications of the whack-jobness of this woman and signed anyway. Well, flash forward a week. We have a SIGNED lease and she hasn't cashed our checks yet. That's okay, we have a LEASE. And banks have been known to take their time with checks. Running home today, getting ready to head to a birthday party for a very special 2 year old, we get a phone call. It's the new landlady informing us she'll be at OUR current apartment in 10 minutes.
What????
I AM PACKING. Crap is EVERYWHERE. WHY is she coming over??
She claims to have shredded an important document and needed us to re-sign it. Um. Fishy?
Upon walking into our 1/2 packed apartment, she declares we are unsuitable for renting her precious apartment.
Did I mention the part where we changed our addresses with the post office, scheduled utilities to be turned off and on, etc?? Oh, and hired movers.
Let me take a moment to thank PC for being the man he is, not throwing her ass over teakettle down our stairs or punching her in the mouth. She basically told us we aren't clean enough.
What. the. fuck.
PC does have the presence of mind to demand our checks back, and once in hand (she keeps gabbing like we're all old friends now) tells her to "leave our house now."
So, if you are renting an apartment in WATERTOWN MASSACHUSETTS, near the high school--- email me. If' the address matches what we have been through, I will tell you the God's honest truth about what happened to us here.
And, because I know you guys will love these addendums to the standard lease, here are a few of them summarized:
- All mini blinds must be kept exactly 1/2 up or all the way down.
- Windows must be open more than 3 inches if no one is home.
- Landlord retains the right to enter the apartment if she thinks there will be rain and your windows aren't lowered.
- Cat must be brushed regularly.
- There is an approved list of cleaners for the bathroom tiles.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)