| Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 |
| 8:27 pm |
Do All Contractors Blow Chunks or is it Just Us?
Nothing has been done. Nada. Nunca. Zip. The contractor has measured FOUR times and yet has not produced a schedule, or an estimate. Not one speck of work has been done. We own a beautiful home close to work but we can't move into it. We are not amused. We have called a few other contractors so we can see if someone will get it done faster but this being the holidays we have only been able to leave messages. Feh! Friday a curtain service is going to come in and measure all our weird sized windows and show us fabric swatches. Perhaps they will actually produce something. Also on the disappointment front - who named Soy Joys? They should have called them Soy Mehs. I'm taking tomorrow off to work on packing up, and other stuff that's been sliding lately. It will nice to have a catch-up day to myself before going over to my parents' house tomorrow. Hope everyone has a good Turkeyday - MJ Current Mood:  frustrated |
| Friday, November 20th, 2009 |
| 3:12 pm |
New Phone, New Problem
I headed over to Costco today to get more packing tape and there was a Verizon booth with no one waiting to be helped so I thought what the hell, just get a new phone. It had been two years so I was entitled to a cheap phone. It's purple! So you can call me again. After I sorted through my comic collection to see what I was taking on the move and what I would sell to my comic shop for store credit. Wisely I called ahead to see if they still take old comics and no they do not. Damn. So all wise and powerful flist - what would you suggest for getting something back on heaps of old comics? Most of them are X-Files, The Tick, and the Invisibles but there are some other titles as well. Anyone know of a store that still does that sort of thing? Inquiring minds want to know - MJ Books: The Stress of Her Regard Movies: Being Julia - meh Soundtrack: Losing my timing this late, in my career Current Mood:  confused |
| Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 |
| 7:35 pm |
Don't Call My Cell
I have lost my cell phone. Sometime between 5:00 pm yesterday and 6:30 am today. Good news is that means it's either in the house, the car, or on a secured military base. Bad news is I can't find my $@@&*!# phone. Books: The Stress of Her Regard Movies: none Soundtrack: Oh where oh where has my little phone gone Current Mood: pissed off |
| Monday, November 16th, 2009 |
| 6:38 pm |
Two Slow Train Wrecks
We are of course now finding out some less than sterling things about our new house. Lucky for us we have a home warranty. Most is piddling but the fact that the master water cut off valve does not actually cut off the water is a problem considering all the work hubby wanted done in the master bathroom. I'm sure more will shake out as we slowly move in. We won't be living in it until the floors are put down and the floor man just measured today so.... The other train wreck is The Affair of the Necklace. A good cast and beautiful costuming but you can see the house of cards quivering from the very first scene and you hate to see bad things happen to pretty people. Simon Baker is oh so charming. Sigh. Back to packing - MJ Books: The Stress of her Regard Movies: The Affair of the Necklace Soundtrack: Stop draggin' my heart around Current Mood: frustrated |
| Friday, November 13th, 2009 |
| 11:00 pm |
Officially the Owner of Two Houses
We survived the closing. Hubby changed out the locks, then his friends Jim and Patrick helped us rip up the carpets. This week Handy Andy will put down flooring for us before he tears down/puts up some walls for us. In a few weeks all will be perfect. Thanks to everyone for the emotional support - MJ Books: The Book of Vice/Sideways in Crime Movies: double hah! Soundtrack: Theme from the Rockford Files (hooray for channel 7.3) Current Mood:  relieved |
| Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 |
| 9:48 pm |
Major Exit
We talked one of the movie night crowd into taking our steamer trunk. It is gone daddy gone. Now, who wants the packing crate furniture? Books: The Stress of Her Regard Movies: oh, it is to laugh Soundtrack: Lullaby Current Mood: thankful |
| Sunday, November 8th, 2009 |
| 5:07 pm |
Free Tickets to See My Teenage Idol Trumps Packing
Last night we took a little time off from packing to see Janis Ian at the Barns at Wolftrap. When Mr. Christopher offered me his front row tickets for free I totally caved. At Seventeen came out when I WAS seventeen and seemed to be written just for me. I worshiped that woman. Seeing her live was amazing. Thank you Mr. Christopher! Packing proceeds. It's starting to look like one day we will finish. That day won't be Friday (when we close) but it might be by the time the alterations to the house the hubby wants are done. Hope is making a small beginning. Books: Sideways in Crime/All Those Moments Movies: still no, and will probably not see any for some time Soundtrack: the roar of the crowd at the Giants game Current Mood: hopeful |
| Saturday, November 7th, 2009 |
| 1:12 pm |
I Can Not Believe This
Could someone explain to me why I have bluebooks, lab reports etc. from rayinhawaii's ex-brother-in-law? Or rather had, since that was the easiest chuck it decision of the move so far. This is insane. Back to work - sigh - MJ Books: Sideways in Crime/All Those Moments/The Best Time Travel Stories of All Time Movies: oh sure, like I have the time for that Soundtrack: someone is screaming on Pandora... Current Mood: confused |
| Thursday, November 5th, 2009 |
| 5:17 pm |
Thank you Rutger Hauer
This summer Rupert Everet's autobiography left a very bad taste in my mouth. I had so enjoyed his movies, but then I had made the mistake of getting to know him through his life's story. I stayed clear of celebrity writings just in case someone else ruined their work on me, but then I was tempted by All Those Moments and... Rutger Hauer seems like a nice guy who has led an interesting life. I have been enjoying the book and will still be able to watch Bladerunner and Ladyhawk. Whew! Packing continues to stink on ice. Does anyone want some ancient World Watch One publications? I'd hate to throw them out, but I'm not taking them with me. Speak now etc. - MJ Books: All Those Moments/The Book of Vice/The Best Time Travel Stories of all Time Movies: ahhahahahhaha! Soundtrack: Another day older and deeper in debt Current Mood: stressed |
| Saturday, October 31st, 2009 |
| 12:33 pm |
Throwing my past down the stairs
Excavating in my office (only a few cursed of you know the horror) I found a large cardboard box full of old data books. Some of them were so old they had my maiden name on them. I couldn't figure out how I'd gotten the box up here. It was too heavy to carry. So heavy I suspected even if it could be lifted the box would break. I thought about how I would get these books out. Since they were obsolete trash I concluded that grabbing handfuls of them and chucking them down the stairs was my best option. Once I did that I dragged our huge trash can out of the garage and put it against the breezeway stairs, then repeated the hurling. It worked about as well as anything would have and was a bit cathartic. This part of my past is past. Still a long way to go - MJ Books: The Book of Vice/Sideways in Crime/All those Moments Soundtrack: I still haven't found what I'm lookin' for Current Mood:  thoughtful |
| Friday, October 30th, 2009 |
| 6:20 pm |
Finding Odd Things
The program book from Oklahoma! (my first trip to Broadway) A letter from fings - circa 1985 Poetry submissions from the Stevens mag A photograph of me (I think it's me) with a napkin over my head I am an archaeologist of my own life...it is a strange fit. Books: The Book of Vice/Sideways in Crime/All Those Moments (I seem to have one in every room at this point) Movies: I swear I will take a break tonight and watch one Soundtrack: Well I'll be damned, here comes your ghost again Current Mood: thoughtful |
| Thursday, October 29th, 2009 |
| 5:34 pm |
Things That Suck
Packing Menopause Packing Back to work - MJ Books: Sideways in Crime Movies: oh you are SO kidding me Soundtrack: There must be some way to get out of this place Current Mood: busy |
| Monday, October 26th, 2009 |
| 11:37 am |
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
The only good thing about my continued illness is it gave me a chance to read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies in one day. It was a hoot! I was afraid the zombies would seem to be tacked on, but instead they fill some gaps in the original story and make the addition quite natural. I'm not sure how well the sea monsters are going to fit into Sense and Sensibility but after Pride and Prejudice and Zombies I'm willing to give the author the benefit of the doubt. On the other hand - blah! I'm still sick! I am well enough to be really irritated by it, so I guess that's progress. Yesterday I managed to pay the bills, do a load of wash, and empty and refill the dishwasher so yeah, progress. Books: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Movies: not with football season in full swing Soundtrack: There must be some way out of here... |
| Saturday, October 24th, 2009 |
| 12:22 pm |
Sick of Being Sick
I've been sick for days and I'm simply fed up with it. At least my congestion is a little better. There were times there when I was looking around for a pin to pop my head with. I'm getting tired way too easy and that's not what I need when I should be packing. Drat! Books: A Dirty Job Movies: Bolt/Coraline Soundtrack: Slip sliding away Current Mood:  sick |
| Saturday, October 17th, 2009 |
| 5:06 pm |
A few good gamers
Sitting in my booth at Capclave typing on Lorenzo the netbook. Hooray for free wifi! We haven't had a lot of customers, but two of them felt free to hand over huge sums of money so OK by me. One fellow in particular bought 17 button men, an EVPF, a Counting Zzzzs and some other stuff too. Plushies are doing well as always. We are down to one meerkat! Have been using Lorenzo to show off our new house to be. Managed to lock in a good rate for a point - a wee bit better even than the rate I have now. If we stay in the house for at least 7 years we'll win on that deal. Since we've been in the current house for 18 I think that's a safe bet. Books: The Toyminator Movies: no movie program here Soundtrack: Who will buy this wonderful morning Current Mood: satisfied |
| Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 |
| 6:30 pm |
We Have Contract
Well here we go - the offer was accepted. Home inspection Monday. Closing on or near 13 November. Hair tearing out to commence immediately. We have to pack up everything and move it Arrrrrgggggg! Books: The Toyminator Movies: probably not for a good long while Soundtrack: ...and I say to myself, this is not your beautiful house... Current Mood:  scared |
| Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 |
| 7:54 pm |
Well we did it
We bid on a house. It is a lovely house in Reston. hubby is not happy about the yard, but the inside is gorgeous. Things will happen quickly now - I may not be posting much for a while. Books: The Toymanator Movies: ha! Soundtrack: It's the end of the world as we know it Current Mood:  drunk |
| Monday, October 12th, 2009 |
| 4:22 pm |
Saw it coming - still mad
Remember in a previous post how I asked my boss how advanced, excellent, expert and flawless had translated into a "Meets Expectation"? She said I was right - that it didn't make sense and she would try to fix it. I had a cynical thought at that point, but I wanted to be wrong about it. hubby had the same thought too, which led me to believe I wasn't all that paranoid. And I'm not. She fixed it all right. She took out the nice words so now I have a bland review to go with my "Meets Expectation" and my less than exciting raise. I don't know what I can do about it except vote with my feet. Maybe that's what they want anyway. Lockheed used to give people a zero raise as a big old hint - maybe Booz is just a bit classier. A bit. Books: The Toymanator Movies: no, house hunting is eating all our free time Soundtrack: Who would ever guessed it such a squalid little ending? Current Mood: angry |
| Sunday, October 11th, 2009 |
| 5:44 pm |
A Day Late but not a Dollar Short
We finally found a house that had it all AND was within our price range - too bad they'd signed an offer the night before. The house had sold after 2 days on the market. It was heartbreaking. On the other hand we've discovered a really nice neighborhood with at least 2 models of homes that we are crazy about - but they're more than we intended to pay. We've eyed the budget and decided we COULD do that if we wanted. It would mean that I couldn't quit and work Blood & Cardstock again, at least not until we sell the old house and refinance the new one with the profits from the old. We need to get out of here and renovate a bit before we can expect to sell it though. We might go that route - stay tuned for further developments. In the you're not going to believe this department, the hubby is now officially harder to feed than I am! His doctor has said we must eliminate wheat, gluten and cow dairy from his diet. In addition there is a big list of foods to avoid (includes soy and eggs), and another list of things he can't eat more than 3 times a week (includes chicken and salmon). The doctor also said he needs to eat a high protein diet. Come again? What protein would that be? Some of our fabu friends have been feeding us helpful websites (thanks justhuman et. al.) but it is still a daunting task. Did you know they make sheep and goat milk yogurts? Remarkable what you discover when you're desperate. Books: The Architect of Sleep - don't do it! Movies: The Prestige Soundtrack: Hut hut hut! - God the Denver retro uniforms are ugly! Current Mood:  disappointed |
| Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 |
| 6:21 pm |
LoB Finale
Well much to my surprise I was able to get my family out of Russia and defect myself. Too bad my game boyfriend wound up dead, but then a lot of characters did. At least Svetlana knew she was loved - however briefly. He was so sweet when after the Avenue Q song "The Internet is for Porn" Svetlana asked for some of the words to be explained to her. He couldn't bring himself to tell her. What a hoot! Got my review today. Only Booz could use the words: expert, excellent, advanced and FLAWLESS in a paragraph and then select the rating "Meets Expectations". I complained about that and my supervisor said she'd try to get it fixed. It won't affect my raise, but it's the principle of the thing. Books: The Architect of Sleep Movies: no, but I did watch Heroes last night Soundtrack: ...and double click for porn, porn, porn Current Mood: disappointed |
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