Work is going fine, though my current impression is that management is another word for "death by meetings" and that one of the secrets to success is to work more hours. I'm a little behind due to some appointments cutting into my work time this week. One was a really dorky lunchtime house visit by an insurance underwriter guy. I waited 90 minutes for a 7 minute transaction. Oh joy.
I'm pleased to report I am still receiving no channels on my new TV - yay! The DVDs look great.
Thursday night I gave away my empty boxes and the plain newsprint and styrofoam (and faux styrofoam) peanuts to some folks one of my neighbors hooked me up with. Yay!
My realtor came by yesterday to drop off some papers, etc. I gave him a tour of my mostly unpacked house, fed him a yellow mango, and loaned him some Louis Jordan CDs. He made the appropriate appreciative noises about the mango, blanched when I told him my xeriscaping plans for the yard (he's more conventional than me, and there's some weird notion out here that for a patio to feel private, it has to have a visual barrier fairly close in), and recovered reasonably well: "in this climate, everyone should be reducing their water consumption for landscaping."
Today I went to lunch with 6 colleagues from the library - we did a road trip to a little Mexican restaurant miles and miles away. It was inside a renovated grain elevator, and the company was wonderful. I'm not used to the driving out here yet. Nor am I well versed in the Fort Collins restaurants yet. All in good time, I'm sure.
In about an hour, my high school buddy who lives in Castle Rock (about 2 hours south of here) is coming by to see the house and for dinner. Tomorrow's program is a long bike ride, unpacking, paperwork, cleaning, and hopefully working for a few hours too. ha ha ha ha ha. I crack myself up!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
fabulous bike ride and a great new "TV"
Yesterday it was raining. Great for the soil, the plants, the micro-organisms. Not good for bike riding.
Today, sunny. Perfect. I decided to push my limits a bit and try for a longer ride. There's a big triangle, sort of, with the Spring Creek Trail, which connects with the Poudre River trail, and then there's a trail heading south along the foothills to pick up the other end of the Spring Creek trail. But I found out it was a dirt trail, not paved, and I decided not to work that hard. Plus, my ride was a little too long, so I shaved off some of the triangle. I think I still rode for 15-20 miles over 2 hours, and I was sure ready to get off the bike by the time I got home.
Cool first: I ran into someone I knew on the trail! I recognized one of the guys in Library Technology Services. Whether he recognized me, I don't know ... but this is my first time recognizing someone out and about.
And then, my new TV was delivered. I know everybody is worried about me turning into a couch potato. But: no cable. Not hooked up to any of that. In fact, the delivery guys hooked up my old technology DVD player while they were here. So that's all I'll be watching - DVDs. As an added bonus, the disks I have out from Netflix were in the box with the DVD player - how clever of me! I wondered where those were. (Currently, the new TV hasn't even been configured for over-the-air broadcasts ... and the longer it stays that way, the better!)
So now, I can host "movie nights". Of course, things will be better when I get a Blu-Ray DVD player and a surround sound system (all in the plan) ... but one thing at a time. The new TV is a 46" LCD 1080p Samsung. My Ithaca TV was sooo ooooold, that even at the standard resolution, the DVD looks fabulous (testing with "Buena Vista Social Club.")
Today, sunny. Perfect. I decided to push my limits a bit and try for a longer ride. There's a big triangle, sort of, with the Spring Creek Trail, which connects with the Poudre River trail, and then there's a trail heading south along the foothills to pick up the other end of the Spring Creek trail. But I found out it was a dirt trail, not paved, and I decided not to work that hard. Plus, my ride was a little too long, so I shaved off some of the triangle. I think I still rode for 15-20 miles over 2 hours, and I was sure ready to get off the bike by the time I got home.
Cool first: I ran into someone I knew on the trail! I recognized one of the guys in Library Technology Services. Whether he recognized me, I don't know ... but this is my first time recognizing someone out and about.
And then, my new TV was delivered. I know everybody is worried about me turning into a couch potato. But: no cable. Not hooked up to any of that. In fact, the delivery guys hooked up my old technology DVD player while they were here. So that's all I'll be watching - DVDs. As an added bonus, the disks I have out from Netflix were in the box with the DVD player - how clever of me! I wondered where those were. (Currently, the new TV hasn't even been configured for over-the-air broadcasts ... and the longer it stays that way, the better!)
So now, I can host "movie nights". Of course, things will be better when I get a Blu-Ray DVD player and a surround sound system (all in the plan) ... but one thing at a time. The new TV is a 46" LCD 1080p Samsung. My Ithaca TV was sooo ooooold, that even at the standard resolution, the DVD looks fabulous (testing with "Buena Vista Social Club.")
Friday, March 23, 2007
update on my new office
Construction is proceeding nicely. The drywall went up recently. I also learned I will get one of the existing offices opening into the new conference room. So I'll have a window - yay!
Thursday, March 22, 2007
biking fair and the food coop
Last night, it was (gasp!) cloudy and sprinkling when I left work. It was also colder than I was dressed for, so I just hightailed it home. Ironically, there was a bike fair from 7-9 pm. It gets dark around 7:30 here, and I don't have lights for my bike ... and it was still cold and overcast. So I (sigh) drove to the bike fair. The good news is that I was able to get some paper maps of the bike trails. The online map at http://www.fcgov.com/bicycling/pdf/bike_map_9_14_05.pdf is awesome, but it's no good if you don't have an internet connection and a laptop with you -- it prints out very small, so it's useless. I'm told they will be coming out with new maps in 30-60 days, but I'm happy to at least have the old one. It was also nice to learn of a trail connecting the NW Poudre River trail with the Spring Creek trail -- it's off the map to the west, so I didn't know about it. I also picked up a bird list for the area, and a mammals and other critters list, too.
Yesterday was my 5th day of work -- I've been working for a week. Friday will mark the end of my first calendar week at work. Pretty soon I'll lose track and stop counting.
Today's after work excursion was again to the Poudre River trail, but this time without all the extra wandering. Then I made a point of heading into Old Town to find the Food Coop. This was quite an adventure, as there is a lot of construction at the nearest intersection. I nearly wiped out on some dirt and gravel, but managed to keep upright. The Food Coop was like a mini Greenstar. I'm going to try to stop there for bulk items. Sadly, whole wallet (commonly known as whole paycheck) has a bigger selection of nearly everything they carried, except the bulk items.
Yesterday was my 5th day of work -- I've been working for a week. Friday will mark the end of my first calendar week at work. Pretty soon I'll lose track and stop counting.
Today's after work excursion was again to the Poudre River trail, but this time without all the extra wandering. Then I made a point of heading into Old Town to find the Food Coop. This was quite an adventure, as there is a lot of construction at the nearest intersection. I nearly wiped out on some dirt and gravel, but managed to keep upright. The Food Coop was like a mini Greenstar. I'm going to try to stop there for bulk items. Sadly, whole wallet (commonly known as whole paycheck) has a bigger selection of nearly everything they carried, except the bulk items.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
cooking classes and a bike ride
My guest for brunch on Sunday mentioned that Whole Wallet offers cooking classes. I found the listing on the web and started drooling. I signed the two of us up for a class on curries, a class on paella, and I also signed up for one on Korean Vegetarian cooking. This could be a lot of fun!
Today after work, I decided to find the bike trail on the north side of town, by the Poudre ("POOD-er") River. After a false start or two, I hooked up with the trail, and was able to follow it east and south until it intersected the Spring Creek trail, which is the one a few blocks from my house. It was a lovely ride, and just about the right length -- I got home as dusk was falling.
Work is going fine. And they put the drywall up on my new office today. I also found out that I might be able to choose one of the existing offices with a window. I'll take a look and see what I think. I'm told the windows are by the loading dock and the aroma of garbage wafts by on occasion. Also, they don't face west ... but not too many library office windows do.
Today after work, I decided to find the bike trail on the north side of town, by the Poudre ("POOD-er") River. After a false start or two, I hooked up with the trail, and was able to follow it east and south until it intersected the Spring Creek trail, which is the one a few blocks from my house. It was a lovely ride, and just about the right length -- I got home as dusk was falling.
Work is going fine. And they put the drywall up on my new office today. I also found out that I might be able to choose one of the existing offices with a window. I'll take a look and see what I think. I'm told the windows are by the loading dock and the aroma of garbage wafts by on occasion. Also, they don't face west ... but not too many library office windows do.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
a great bike ride, a contra dance and my first guest
I drove to work on Friday so I could bring two boxes of books and papers to the office. Since it was spring break last week, it was a good time to get a parking space right by the library. Even so, I stupidly thought I could carry everything in one trip. By the time I was 10 yards from the library doors, I didn't know how I was going to make it. Luckily, one of my colleagues magically appeared to help me just then.
Since I didn't bike in to work, I took a bike ride after I got home. Every time I've tried to take the off road bike path westward, I've hit a spot where they had a detour, and I never managed to find the signs to pick up the bike trail after that. But wonder of wonders, the detour was gone -- I could just stay on the bike path - and what a lovely path it is. It follows a creek along a natural area, and runs a few miles towards the mountains from my house. On the way back, I went past my house, as the trail runs east for a ways as well. While the streets here are super wide and often have clear bike lanes marked, it was great to be away from the cars for an hour's ride in the balmy weather.
Last night I went to a contra dance. Contra dances are held in Fort Collins on the first and third Saturdays at a lovely venue - the City Park Center which is on a little lake. The dance is from 8-11 pm. I got there about 8:05, and they were already most of the way through the walk through for the first dance. It was a good sized crowd for that early: maybe 50 couples ... and about 10-15 extra women. So I didn't get a partner for that first dance, but I swooped in and grabbed me a guy for the second dance. Didn't get a partner for the third dance. But after that, I think I danced most of them. People were very nice, friendly, etc. Because of St. Pat's day, there were a number of people in green, and I believe 3 men in kilts, and one woman. Didn't see any other men in skirts though -- it's not Ithaca, after all. After the far-too-long break, the gender balance was much better. I think there was a little bit of "fresh meat! And she can swing!" going on, too.
This morning I hosted my first guest -- I invited a colleague over for waffles and fruit. It was great motivation to get another bunch of unpacking done (finished my bedroom, got all the boxes out of the hallway) and to clear off the table (see below). We had a good time not talking about work.
After that Lee and Jerry, who I stayed with in Greeley before I got possession of the house, stopped by for a tour and to pick up the sleeping bag, pad, towel and so on I had borrowed. Then the seller came by to haul off some wicker furniture that had been in the back yard but was frozen in when they were packing. Vaughn came with his father-in-law, and the two guys were totally my heroes when they volunteered to move my heavy furniture. So now the card catalog is in a better place in my living room, and the break front is in a good place in the family room. This means I can unpack more boxes and maybe even hang some art soon!
Since I didn't bike in to work, I took a bike ride after I got home. Every time I've tried to take the off road bike path westward, I've hit a spot where they had a detour, and I never managed to find the signs to pick up the bike trail after that. But wonder of wonders, the detour was gone -- I could just stay on the bike path - and what a lovely path it is. It follows a creek along a natural area, and runs a few miles towards the mountains from my house. On the way back, I went past my house, as the trail runs east for a ways as well. While the streets here are super wide and often have clear bike lanes marked, it was great to be away from the cars for an hour's ride in the balmy weather.
Last night I went to a contra dance. Contra dances are held in Fort Collins on the first and third Saturdays at a lovely venue - the City Park Center which is on a little lake. The dance is from 8-11 pm. I got there about 8:05, and they were already most of the way through the walk through for the first dance. It was a good sized crowd for that early: maybe 50 couples ... and about 10-15 extra women. So I didn't get a partner for that first dance, but I swooped in and grabbed me a guy for the second dance. Didn't get a partner for the third dance. But after that, I think I danced most of them. People were very nice, friendly, etc. Because of St. Pat's day, there were a number of people in green, and I believe 3 men in kilts, and one woman. Didn't see any other men in skirts though -- it's not Ithaca, after all. After the far-too-long break, the gender balance was much better. I think there was a little bit of "fresh meat! And she can swing!" going on, too.
This morning I hosted my first guest -- I invited a colleague over for waffles and fruit. It was great motivation to get another bunch of unpacking done (finished my bedroom, got all the boxes out of the hallway) and to clear off the table (see below). We had a good time not talking about work.
After that Lee and Jerry, who I stayed with in Greeley before I got possession of the house, stopped by for a tour and to pick up the sleeping bag, pad, towel and so on I had borrowed. Then the seller came by to haul off some wicker furniture that had been in the back yard but was frozen in when they were packing. Vaughn came with his father-in-law, and the two guys were totally my heroes when they volunteered to move my heavy furniture. So now the card catalog is in a better place in my living room, and the break front is in a good place in the family room. This means I can unpack more boxes and maybe even hang some art soon!
unpacking
Here's the remains of the packing materials for the kitchen, my bedroom, the bathroom(s), my CDs, and maybe 3 other boxes.
Nearly all of the blank newsprint came from the kitchen boxes.
Friday, March 16, 2007
what my new office looks like
Here are two views of what will be my new office. You can't really tell from the pictures, but the only door to my office opens into a conference room (also being built).
Thursday, March 15, 2007
bliss ... and desperation
Just back from whole wallet (yeah, again). They had a huge display of yellow mangoes: my favorite! I was so ecstatic to see them; it's been a long time. Due to a previous conversation with my fabulous realtor, I had to phone him right away - left a message that I would select a yellow mango for him, and that I hope he likes it. He thinks I'm nuts for being an apple snob and having a strong preference for YELLOW mangoes.
Before I left, I started worrying about Delilah -- she was not in her customary place on the fridge. I started wondering if I had mistakenly shut her in a room, or if she had somehow gotten out. Then it occurred to me to check my bedroom. There she was, the invisible Delilah lump in the center of my bed, under the covers. I guess she needed more security with me gone at work all day. Or she was just cold ... nah.
Before I left, I started worrying about Delilah -- she was not in her customary place on the fridge. I started wondering if I had mistakenly shut her in a room, or if she had somehow gotten out. Then it occurred to me to check my bedroom. There she was, the invisible Delilah lump in the center of my bed, under the covers. I guess she needed more security with me gone at work all day. Or she was just cold ... nah.
first day of work
It was chilly today - in the 40s - but I persevered and rode my bike in to work. I was in meetings as soon as I arrived, and for most of the day. I have a great temporary office on a corner - my office is currently a bunch of metal studs. Looks like a jail cell. And oddly, the only door opens to a conference room they're building - so I'll have to walk through the conference room to get in and out. I guess I'll stay away from diuretics.
I have a lot of reading to do; I have to prepare a plan for my group, I have to bone up on some hot projects ASAP and I have to do work plans with my staff. The benefits stuff is dizzying: they have a "cafeteria style" where you select the benefits you want. That sounds great; the hard part is a complicated formula to determine how much the university is paying towards the benefits you choose. Oh, and apparently there will be NO funds added to social security as part of my employment at CSU. The money CSU contributes towards retirement is in lieu of social security contributions. That's a new one for me ... and it does affect my evaluation of my compensation package - harumph.
Well, settling in is always a little bumpy. On the plus side, I think I can just about find my office in the building regardless of which staircase I use.
I have a lot of reading to do; I have to prepare a plan for my group, I have to bone up on some hot projects ASAP and I have to do work plans with my staff. The benefits stuff is dizzying: they have a "cafeteria style" where you select the benefits you want. That sounds great; the hard part is a complicated formula to determine how much the university is paying towards the benefits you choose. Oh, and apparently there will be NO funds added to social security as part of my employment at CSU. The money CSU contributes towards retirement is in lieu of social security contributions. That's a new one for me ... and it does affect my evaluation of my compensation package - harumph.
Well, settling in is always a little bumpy. On the plus side, I think I can just about find my office in the building regardless of which staircase I use.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
divide by 100
My car actually made it here this morning. I got a call yesterday morning from the driver of one of those big rigs that you see carrying 10 cars on the highways, (I always hate driving near those -- they make me nervous) saying he was in the Denver area and expected to deliver my car around noon. I knew this driver was about 6 hours later than expected when he picked up my car from Trumansburg. But I stupidly waited at home ALL DAY and missed my bike ride. At 8:30 pm, I phoned him. "uh ... tomorrow morning? Anytime after 9 am?"
He did show up this morning, with my car -- woo hoo! And my car fits handily in the garage, even with giant trash can and bike. I just spent the entire morning doing those stupid things you have to do when you move:
* get a Colorado drivers license
* register to vote in Colorado
* register the car in Colorado
Oy. You do the drivers license dance in the Colorado department of revenue. You register your car in the county building. But before you can register it, you have to go to the police station to get your VIN (vehicle id number) verified. I am really glad the car came today, as I'm starting work tomorrow and won't have the flexibility to wait in the dang lines.
But here's the cool thing: my Colorado plates are something like 976 000. And my phone number ends in 00 also. Maybe I'm getting round numbers because I'm sort of round???
I'm just waiting for it to warm up more before I go for today's bike ride. Stopped at whole wallet (whole foods) on the way home - starting to stock the fridge and freezer again. It was nice having my canvas tote bags back for grocery shopping (they live in my car).
He did show up this morning, with my car -- woo hoo! And my car fits handily in the garage, even with giant trash can and bike. I just spent the entire morning doing those stupid things you have to do when you move:
* get a Colorado drivers license
* register to vote in Colorado
* register the car in Colorado
Oy. You do the drivers license dance in the Colorado department of revenue. You register your car in the county building. But before you can register it, you have to go to the police station to get your VIN (vehicle id number) verified. I am really glad the car came today, as I'm starting work tomorrow and won't have the flexibility to wait in the dang lines.
But here's the cool thing: my Colorado plates are something like 976 000. And my phone number ends in 00 also. Maybe I'm getting round numbers because I'm sort of round???
I'm just waiting for it to warm up more before I go for today's bike ride. Stopped at whole wallet (whole foods) on the way home - starting to stock the fridge and freezer again. It was nice having my canvas tote bags back for grocery shopping (they live in my car).
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
retro-post 4: cats and planes
Many of you know that Shindy cat can be a bit ... vocal ... when riding in a cat carrier in my car. "yaaaaaaaaaaaaaoooooowr!" "raaaaooo!" "YOWR!!!!" I've not found anything to comfort her. I've tried putting the carrier up high enough so she can see out the window. I've talked to her like a therapist: "oh, really? And then what happened?" "how did that make you feel?" I've even tried speaking her language, or my best shot at it, anyway: "YAAAAAAOOOO!" "mmrrrrrppph."
Well, she's LOUD in the car. Sometimes hurts my ears. And she never stops. When I took her up to see my Mom after my Dad ran over Mom's foot (long story), she yowled the entire way to Syracuse, and the entire trip back, too. So I'm thinking there's no way I can bring her onto a plane and let this happen. I'd be far less popular than someone with a crying child. I've never been fond of the idea of drugging others to make my own travels more pleasant, but those are some loooonnnnggg flights to Denver from NY. And moreover, it's not just me that would be disturbed, but the entire plane.
When you bring pets on a plane, besides needing to make a special reservation and get an appropriate carrier, you're supposed to have a certificate from a vet stating your pet has been examined and found in good health within 10 days of travel. So clearly, I bring up this problem with my vet. Her first reaction was "oh, you won't need to drug her." "No, wait. This is how she behaves in a car." "But a plane is different." "No, wait. You don't know how loud she is. And that she never stops."
So reluctantly, my vet gave me some tranqs for Shindy. And we discussed doing a trial run, because the occasional feline gets wound up on the drugs, instead of calmed down -- just like human psychotropic pharmaceuticals. I briefly consider handing out earplugs to everyone on the plane.
When I was at Phoebe and Thorsten's, I did the trial. Drug is supposed to take up to an hour to kick in. I gave a half pill to Shindy upstairs, then went down to the living room and did internet stuff. After a bit, I hear: "thud. thud. thump." Shindy is feeling unsteady on her pins - walking like a drunkard. I'm thrilled that the drugs are working. I feel bad for Shindy - she looks like the floor is unsteady for her. But of course, it's also hilarious. "ha ha ha ha ha poor dear ha ha ha ha"
Does she just curl up and fall asleep? noooOOOOOOOooo. She actually proceeds to walk around and tries to play.
Again, on the excellent advice of my vet, I take Shindy for a car ride while she was under the influence. "yowr" "rao" -- same behavior, but instead of an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10, it's now a 3. Hmmmmm. Might be okay, what with the plane noise.
Well, travel day came, and had it's own "hunt for Delilah" entertainment. Shindy is drugged before ride to Syracuse airport. A little vocalizing in the car. A little helpful ignorance from the people manning the American airlines counter - no examination of pet carriers, documents, or collection of $80 per cat fee.
Unhappy kitties going through security. Mike, who was sweet enough to accompany me for the second under-the-seat spot for the cats, had a squirming Shindy cat as he got manually searched ... but we all made it through. Cat carriers are black and not so obvious, so they were not as much of a spectacle as I feared.
Once on the planes - quiet as lambs. Delilah is in a safe, enclosed space, and just endures. Shindy cat is ... blissfully! ... silent. I didn't even give her the second dose of tranqs.
The airplane rides freaked them out so much that they were silent for the whole car ride up to Greeley. I luuuuuuurv my kitties.
Well, she's LOUD in the car. Sometimes hurts my ears. And she never stops. When I took her up to see my Mom after my Dad ran over Mom's foot (long story), she yowled the entire way to Syracuse, and the entire trip back, too. So I'm thinking there's no way I can bring her onto a plane and let this happen. I'd be far less popular than someone with a crying child. I've never been fond of the idea of drugging others to make my own travels more pleasant, but those are some loooonnnnggg flights to Denver from NY. And moreover, it's not just me that would be disturbed, but the entire plane.
When you bring pets on a plane, besides needing to make a special reservation and get an appropriate carrier, you're supposed to have a certificate from a vet stating your pet has been examined and found in good health within 10 days of travel. So clearly, I bring up this problem with my vet. Her first reaction was "oh, you won't need to drug her." "No, wait. This is how she behaves in a car." "But a plane is different." "No, wait. You don't know how loud she is. And that she never stops."
So reluctantly, my vet gave me some tranqs for Shindy. And we discussed doing a trial run, because the occasional feline gets wound up on the drugs, instead of calmed down -- just like human psychotropic pharmaceuticals. I briefly consider handing out earplugs to everyone on the plane.
When I was at Phoebe and Thorsten's, I did the trial. Drug is supposed to take up to an hour to kick in. I gave a half pill to Shindy upstairs, then went down to the living room and did internet stuff. After a bit, I hear: "thud. thud. thump." Shindy is feeling unsteady on her pins - walking like a drunkard. I'm thrilled that the drugs are working. I feel bad for Shindy - she looks like the floor is unsteady for her. But of course, it's also hilarious. "ha ha ha ha ha poor dear ha ha ha ha"
Does she just curl up and fall asleep? noooOOOOOOOooo. She actually proceeds to walk around and tries to play.
Again, on the excellent advice of my vet, I take Shindy for a car ride while she was under the influence. "yowr" "rao" -- same behavior, but instead of an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10, it's now a 3. Hmmmmm. Might be okay, what with the plane noise.
Well, travel day came, and had it's own "hunt for Delilah" entertainment. Shindy is drugged before ride to Syracuse airport. A little vocalizing in the car. A little helpful ignorance from the people manning the American airlines counter - no examination of pet carriers, documents, or collection of $80 per cat fee.
Unhappy kitties going through security. Mike, who was sweet enough to accompany me for the second under-the-seat spot for the cats, had a squirming Shindy cat as he got manually searched ... but we all made it through. Cat carriers are black and not so obvious, so they were not as much of a spectacle as I feared.
Once on the planes - quiet as lambs. Delilah is in a safe, enclosed space, and just endures. Shindy cat is ... blissfully! ... silent. I didn't even give her the second dose of tranqs.
The airplane rides freaked them out so much that they were silent for the whole car ride up to Greeley. I luuuuuuurv my kitties.
Monday, March 12, 2007
three for three
I'm proud of myself - I've taken about an hour's bike ride for the last three days in a row. The weather here is blowing my mind: sunny, warm. The streets are mostly super-wide, and there are marked bike lanes on many of them. In fact, I need to study the bike route map so I can stick to the correct streets and hook up with off-road bike paths whenever possible.
Today was the longest ride yet. I had to return the rental car, and it was a little further away than google maps indicated. Then I was going to go to the DMV for a Colorado driver's license, and then to the public library for a library card. But besides having further to ride, I hadn't realized the late hour, so neither errand worked out. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed the ride. Every time I could see west, there were the Rockies. Pretty clear today, so I could see lots of peaks I don't know the names of yet. I wonder if I saw Long's Peak in Estes Park.
Unpacking is proceeding nicely. I need to collar some strong folks to help me move some heavy furniture so I can finish unpacking. I put a bunch of things in the wrong places. Par for the course, I guess.
Delilah's favorite place to spend the day is on top of the fridge, in the 4" space between the fridge and the cupboard above it. It's right by the door to the garage, so I get to say hello every time I come in and go out. She seems very happy up there, and pretty well adjusted when she comes down, so I'm not gonna roust her. If I try to pet her up there, she presents her belly, so maybe it's her new safe spot.
In other news, my car is not yet here. I was told tonight or tomorrow. The weather looks great all week, so I can get by without it for a while longer. Kinda like the idea, actually.
Today was the longest ride yet. I had to return the rental car, and it was a little further away than google maps indicated. Then I was going to go to the DMV for a Colorado driver's license, and then to the public library for a library card. But besides having further to ride, I hadn't realized the late hour, so neither errand worked out. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed the ride. Every time I could see west, there were the Rockies. Pretty clear today, so I could see lots of peaks I don't know the names of yet. I wonder if I saw Long's Peak in Estes Park.
Unpacking is proceeding nicely. I need to collar some strong folks to help me move some heavy furniture so I can finish unpacking. I put a bunch of things in the wrong places. Par for the course, I guess.
Delilah's favorite place to spend the day is on top of the fridge, in the 4" space between the fridge and the cupboard above it. It's right by the door to the garage, so I get to say hello every time I come in and go out. She seems very happy up there, and pretty well adjusted when she comes down, so I'm not gonna roust her. If I try to pet her up there, she presents her belly, so maybe it's her new safe spot.
In other news, my car is not yet here. I was told tonight or tomorrow. The weather looks great all week, so I can get by without it for a while longer. Kinda like the idea, actually.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
first bike ride
I've been telling myself every since my stuff arrived that I would ride my bike. Well, today was the day. In the 50s and overcast, but fine for an exploratory ride. First I had to find some appropriate shoes - luckily handy in the box labeled "shoes". Then I had to find an appropriate jacket. Again, luckily handy in the box labeled "outerwear".
I'm still getting used to having a garage; took a garage door opener with me instead of a house key. Also took my cell phone and wore my bluetooth headset. Sadly, I didn't find the box with my helmet or bike locks or reflective clothing. I went without - first time in a long time. Don't intend to make a habit of it.
After going around the neighborhood a bit (trying to learn the streets and the bike paths), I headed north and ended up in Old Town. That's the area with the pedestrian mall, sort of like the Ithaca Commons, only nicer. The houses up there are nice as well, sort of the Cayuga Heights of Fort Collins. My neighborhood is mostly ranches and split levels, squatting pretty close together.
Then I went to the CSU library - I want to be sure I can find it on Thursday. Things are quiet on campus because it's spring break. I rode around the library twice, noting the different entrances. Then it started to sprinkle, so I went home as quickly as I could. Didn't get too wet, but was reminded how out of shape I am.
I'm still getting used to having a garage; took a garage door opener with me instead of a house key. Also took my cell phone and wore my bluetooth headset. Sadly, I didn't find the box with my helmet or bike locks or reflective clothing. I went without - first time in a long time. Don't intend to make a habit of it.
After going around the neighborhood a bit (trying to learn the streets and the bike paths), I headed north and ended up in Old Town. That's the area with the pedestrian mall, sort of like the Ithaca Commons, only nicer. The houses up there are nice as well, sort of the Cayuga Heights of Fort Collins. My neighborhood is mostly ranches and split levels, squatting pretty close together.
Then I went to the CSU library - I want to be sure I can find it on Thursday. Things are quiet on campus because it's spring break. I rode around the library twice, noting the different entrances. Then it started to sprinkle, so I went home as quickly as I could. Didn't get too wet, but was reminded how out of shape I am.
Friday, March 9, 2007
retro-post 3: packing and other disturbances in the cat-o-sphere
I hate packing. I hate packing for vacations, for weekend visits to my Mom's, and of course for moving my household. The universe provided me with boxes via Donna (via Heidi); it did not magically provide me with the desire to pack.
I tried to bribe myself with bad TV, with movies. But there was only so much stuff in my living room, or that could reasonably be brought there. Can you say "procrastination?" (I knew you could.) I managed to get started. Then stalled out. Then started again ... but mostly stalled out. I've learned a trick or two throuogh the years, so I could look at it like this: I work well under pressure, so I was ensuring those working conditions. In the last 5 or so days before the moves arrived, it was finally time to get to it.
My cats are not the brightest bulbs of the lot, but they seem to know something is going on when I take out my "ditty bag" or a suitcase. Similarly, once the house was full of empty boxes, cat radar seemed to be working: "something is up. code yellow." Shindy, of course, treated all the boxes as the latest in kitty playgrounds.
But once I got serious, I could tell the cats had raised the security threat to code orange. Strange boxes everywhere. Familiar stuff missing or moved. When the movers arrived to pack my kitchen, and whatever else I wanted them to do, code red! Plus, the telltale ditty bag appears, and suitcases. And cat carriers.
I'm sure Shindy and Delilah were trying to communicate with the neighborhood outdoor cats. "help! bad things are about to happen! save us!" Shut in a room all day while strangers tromp around the house, shifting boxes and furniture. Not a great precedent for the move to Phoebe and Thorsten's. Poor dears.
Well, we all survived. And my stuff got packed, loaded and delivered.
I tried to bribe myself with bad TV, with movies. But there was only so much stuff in my living room, or that could reasonably be brought there. Can you say "procrastination?" (I knew you could.) I managed to get started. Then stalled out. Then started again ... but mostly stalled out. I've learned a trick or two throuogh the years, so I could look at it like this: I work well under pressure, so I was ensuring those working conditions. In the last 5 or so days before the moves arrived, it was finally time to get to it.
My cats are not the brightest bulbs of the lot, but they seem to know something is going on when I take out my "ditty bag" or a suitcase. Similarly, once the house was full of empty boxes, cat radar seemed to be working: "something is up. code yellow." Shindy, of course, treated all the boxes as the latest in kitty playgrounds.
But once I got serious, I could tell the cats had raised the security threat to code orange. Strange boxes everywhere. Familiar stuff missing or moved. When the movers arrived to pack my kitchen, and whatever else I wanted them to do, code red! Plus, the telltale ditty bag appears, and suitcases. And cat carriers.
I'm sure Shindy and Delilah were trying to communicate with the neighborhood outdoor cats. "help! bad things are about to happen! save us!" Shut in a room all day while strangers tromp around the house, shifting boxes and furniture. Not a great precedent for the move to Phoebe and Thorsten's. Poor dears.
Well, we all survived. And my stuff got packed, loaded and delivered.
latest favs from stuffonmycat
Many of you already know I enjoy http://stuffonmycat.com/ - it usually has a post or two that cracks me up. Here are a few recent favorites:
http://stuffonmycat.com/index.php?itemid=3311
http://stuffonmycat.com/index.php?itemid=3309 (note the massage subtext)
http://stuffonmycat.com/index.php?itemid=3320
http://stuffonmycat.com/index.php?itemid=3321
http://stuffonmycat.com/index.php?itemid=3306
http://stuffonmycat.com/index.php?itemid=3302 (i have this rug - but a different cat)
http://stuffonmycat.com/index.php?itemid=3217 <-- a really good one!
Okay, I've gotta go unpack the main floor.
http://stuffonmycat.com/index.php?itemid=3311
http://stuffonmycat.com/index.php?itemid=3309 (note the massage subtext)
http://stuffonmycat.com/index.php?itemid=3320
http://stuffonmycat.com/index.php?itemid=3321
http://stuffonmycat.com/index.php?itemid=3306
http://stuffonmycat.com/index.php?itemid=3302 (i have this rug - but a different cat)
http://stuffonmycat.com/index.php?itemid=3217 <-- a really good one!
Okay, I've gotta go unpack the main floor.
zee car - she is en route
Finally got a call yesterday from an auto shipper that they were in Oneonta, wanting to pick up my car. I think the guy's name was Skip (not Skip the proctologist - see earlier post), and he was completely baffled as to pronunciation of "o - n - e - o - n - t - a" ("my baloney has a first name, it's o-s-c-a-r ..."). Refused to even try - spelled it over the phone.
I referred him to Heidi and Mark, who were holding the car for the pickup. We figured maybe 2-3 hours before he would get to T-burg. Nope: eight.
Apparently he neglected to mention an interceding pickup in Whitney Point or some such. Thank goodness for good friends ... what a pain!
Now I get to wonder when it will be delivered. And whether I should hang on to the rental car to pick up anything that I can't easily transport on a bike.
Come to think of it, in Africa, they transport everything on a bike: mattresses. Corrugated metal roofing.
I referred him to Heidi and Mark, who were holding the car for the pickup. We figured maybe 2-3 hours before he would get to T-burg. Nope: eight.
Apparently he neglected to mention an interceding pickup in Whitney Point or some such. Thank goodness for good friends ... what a pain!
Now I get to wonder when it will be delivered. And whether I should hang on to the rental car to pick up anything that I can't easily transport on a bike.
Come to think of it, in Africa, they transport everything on a bike: mattresses. Corrugated metal roofing.
retro-post 2: finding Delilah
On travel day, besides cramming everything into 2 carry-ons (in addition to the occupied cat carriers) and luggage suitable for checking, there was a significant task at the day's outset: finding Delilah.
I had perused the basement many times, trying to suss out her hiding place. Partly to just be comforting, say hello, and partly to make travel day a little easier. Well, I couldn't find it. The first day, Phoebe and I did manage to flush our quarry, but I had closed the basement door to keep Shindy cat out, so when Delilah fled upstairs, she had to turn around. Boy, was she freaked! Establishing that she was present and ambulatory was sufficient for our purposes at that time, so we brought down some food and let her be.
On travel day, we had four people looking: Phoebe, Thorsten, Mike and me. We broke out the flashlights and explored everywhere -- the pile of empty cardboard boxes. Behind stuff on shelves. Behind the furnace. Etc. No one could find her, so we expanded the search to the other floors, in case she had found a better hiding place upstairs.
(you may be asking: why didn't I lock her out of the basement during a wee-hours visit? Answer: I couldn't bring myself to get out of bed to sneak out the door without letting her out, to make sure Shindy wasn't in the basement and then close the door and come back to bed. Silly me - I prefer sleeping.)
No luck. One cat vs. four humans. Score: cat 1, humans 0.
Then I noticed behind the laundry drying rack, the bricks on the floor had some gaps, and there was a hole big enough for Delilah to crawl into. Phoebe started moving the drying rack; Thorsten started working on the cupboard over the hole. Couldn't move it: built in. I managed to shine a flashlight underneath, and spotted the telltale flash of cat eyes. Cat located. But completely out of reach, of course.
Thorsten found some of the boards a the bottom of the cupboard could be removed ... but not where Delilah was. A long arm's reach was needed. Do I recall correctly that Thorsten wasn't thrilled about the possibility of cobwebs, etc? Well, neither was I ... but my cat, my problem. Man, it was tough getting her out of there. I couldn't get a good grab on the scruff of her neck, and so I generally could only pull her partially out, and then she'd run back into the corner, nearly out of reach. After the third or fourth try, I got her. Carrier was not quite handy, and poor little D was so freaked out. All the banging around while looking for her, the invasion of her hiding place. If the carrier had been right there, we might have avoided the next problem:
In her fright, Delilah peed. On my jeans.
Gave some authenticity to my bag lady status: homeless, unemployed. Stinking of urine. And now running a little bit late for the drive to the Syracuse airport.
I had perused the basement many times, trying to suss out her hiding place. Partly to just be comforting, say hello, and partly to make travel day a little easier. Well, I couldn't find it. The first day, Phoebe and I did manage to flush our quarry, but I had closed the basement door to keep Shindy cat out, so when Delilah fled upstairs, she had to turn around. Boy, was she freaked! Establishing that she was present and ambulatory was sufficient for our purposes at that time, so we brought down some food and let her be.
On travel day, we had four people looking: Phoebe, Thorsten, Mike and me. We broke out the flashlights and explored everywhere -- the pile of empty cardboard boxes. Behind stuff on shelves. Behind the furnace. Etc. No one could find her, so we expanded the search to the other floors, in case she had found a better hiding place upstairs.
(you may be asking: why didn't I lock her out of the basement during a wee-hours visit? Answer: I couldn't bring myself to get out of bed to sneak out the door without letting her out, to make sure Shindy wasn't in the basement and then close the door and come back to bed. Silly me - I prefer sleeping.)
No luck. One cat vs. four humans. Score: cat 1, humans 0.
Then I noticed behind the laundry drying rack, the bricks on the floor had some gaps, and there was a hole big enough for Delilah to crawl into. Phoebe started moving the drying rack; Thorsten started working on the cupboard over the hole. Couldn't move it: built in. I managed to shine a flashlight underneath, and spotted the telltale flash of cat eyes. Cat located. But completely out of reach, of course.
Thorsten found some of the boards a the bottom of the cupboard could be removed ... but not where Delilah was. A long arm's reach was needed. Do I recall correctly that Thorsten wasn't thrilled about the possibility of cobwebs, etc? Well, neither was I ... but my cat, my problem. Man, it was tough getting her out of there. I couldn't get a good grab on the scruff of her neck, and so I generally could only pull her partially out, and then she'd run back into the corner, nearly out of reach. After the third or fourth try, I got her. Carrier was not quite handy, and poor little D was so freaked out. All the banging around while looking for her, the invasion of her hiding place. If the carrier had been right there, we might have avoided the next problem:
In her fright, Delilah peed. On my jeans.
Gave some authenticity to my bag lady status: homeless, unemployed. Stinking of urine. And now running a little bit late for the drive to the Syracuse airport.
retro-post 1: at Phoebe and Thorsten's
(or is it Phoebe's and Thorsten's?)
After the truck got loaded with most of my worldly goods, I loaded the cats in their new soft, airline approved carriers into my car, along with various cat accoutrements and luggage for me. We then proceeded to impose ourselves on the wonderful hospitality of my friends, Phoebe and Thorsten.
When I was in Africa this summer for a couple weeks, Phoebe and Thorsten took in "the girls." They really enjoyed having Shindy cat around, but timid, P.T.S.D. Delilah just hid the entire 2+ weeks I was away. But I thought it would be great for the cats to be in a familiar setting for phase 2 of the transition (phase 1: packing). As before, I brought the girls inside, but left them in their carriers as I set up the litter box. Then, as is advised, I let them out in a single room (with the litterbox) so they wouldn't be overwhelmed with the change. I then tried to ease myself out the door to get them some water, and ...
Delilah bolted. I wasn't worried, b/c she'd been in the house before. It was only later that I discovered the door to the basement was open. Perhaps my first clue was when Shindy cat reappeared after some time with a wig of cobwebs.
Well, the only times I saw Delilah after that were in middle-of-the-night visits. Shindy cat was fine, although a little more mommy-clingy than usual. As Mike would put it, she did a lot of "pet me / don't touch me" with Phoebe and Thorsten.
After the truck got loaded with most of my worldly goods, I loaded the cats in their new soft, airline approved carriers into my car, along with various cat accoutrements and luggage for me. We then proceeded to impose ourselves on the wonderful hospitality of my friends, Phoebe and Thorsten.
When I was in Africa this summer for a couple weeks, Phoebe and Thorsten took in "the girls." They really enjoyed having Shindy cat around, but timid, P.T.S.D. Delilah just hid the entire 2+ weeks I was away. But I thought it would be great for the cats to be in a familiar setting for phase 2 of the transition (phase 1: packing). As before, I brought the girls inside, but left them in their carriers as I set up the litter box. Then, as is advised, I let them out in a single room (with the litterbox) so they wouldn't be overwhelmed with the change. I then tried to ease myself out the door to get them some water, and ...
Delilah bolted. I wasn't worried, b/c she'd been in the house before. It was only later that I discovered the door to the basement was open. Perhaps my first clue was when Shindy cat reappeared after some time with a wig of cobwebs.
Well, the only times I saw Delilah after that were in middle-of-the-night visits. Shindy cat was fine, although a little more mommy-clingy than usual. As Mike would put it, she did a lot of "pet me / don't touch me" with Phoebe and Thorsten.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
i have the best realtor in the universe
My realtor is totally awesome. He stopped by today while the guys were unloading my stuff from the truck ... and he brought a box of pastries, a bottle of oj, and cups. I mean, I was in Whole Foods yesterday getting stuff for my in-house camping out, but did I remember to get stuff for the movers? Duh, no. But my realtor shows up like an angel with just the right thing in hand.
With bare knees, no less - he came from working out at the gym. Hee hee.
With bare knees, no less - he came from working out at the gym. Hee hee.
stuff arrives!
My stuff arrived this morning. It made me very happy. Odd how I was just as buoyant when my stuff was getting loaded onto a truck:
Other events of today: my new front loading washer was delivered, along with the matching dryer. My laundry room here is huge - it could be a bedroom. It's light and spacious and has folding space and it's not down in the yucky unfinished basement. And my machines are new! How great is that?
- my stuff disappears --> I'm really happy
- my stuff appears -> I'm really happy
Other events of today: my new front loading washer was delivered, along with the matching dryer. My laundry room here is huge - it could be a bedroom. It's light and spacious and has folding space and it's not down in the yucky unfinished basement. And my machines are new! How great is that?
delilah speaks up
So last night, as I was trying to drift off to sleep while camping on the floor of the family room (best plush carpeting in the house), Delilah decides to try out the acoustics of the empty house. "Mew! mew! mew!" and on and on. She pauses to come over and check in with mommy; purrs. Won't climb on top of the sleeping bag (she often likes to sleep on top of me if it's not too hot), won't come into the sleeping bag. But wants me to pet her. Then back to wherever: "mew! mew! mew! ..." Man, she wouldn't shut up!
Unbelievable. Delilah, the quiet, shy cat is yodeling. Wazzup with that? My mom's theory: she had a lot to say. Of course it's in the middle of the night, and I need to be sure I'm up for the movers. Cats - they're wacko.
Eventually I sort of shoved her down into the sleeping bag. She exited, went for an encore: "mew! mew! mew! mew! ..." But the next time, she came back, decided she wanted to go into the sleeping bag, went way down to my toes, and curled up. Which was handy, because my feet were cold.
Unbelievable. Delilah, the quiet, shy cat is yodeling. Wazzup with that? My mom's theory: she had a lot to say. Of course it's in the middle of the night, and I need to be sure I'm up for the movers. Cats - they're wacko.
Eventually I sort of shoved her down into the sleeping bag. She exited, went for an encore: "mew! mew! mew! mew! ..." But the next time, she came back, decided she wanted to go into the sleeping bag, went way down to my toes, and curled up. Which was handy, because my feet were cold.
camping out in the new house
On Wednesday, I loaded the rental car with the cats and their accoutrements and my airline luggage and drove from Greeley to my house in Fort Collins. Shindy cat had a lot to say (and loudly) during the car ride, including "rao!" "yowr!" and "mmmrrraao!" I tried putting her on my lap (in her soft carrier) while I was driving, but that only meant my ears were that much closer to her vocal chords.
I tried talking to her: "oh, really?" "and then what happened?" "I knoooow." "you're okay." "we'll be there soon" "just a little longer" "RRRAAAO!" But as usual, nothing seemed to soothe her.
We arrived; I brought in the cats, all the stuff. I set up the litter box, and let them out of their carriers. For the first time, they didn't bolt right out, but sat in them for a while. I think this last transition was just too much. First I was packing in Ithaca, then we moved to Phoebe and Thorsten's for a few days, then we had the big travel day, then we lived in Greeley for a few days. I think they liked staying in Greeley. But tough nouggies - I want to be in my house.
(I swear I just heard this on the radio: "Hi! This is Skip, the proctologist ...")
Got the high speed internet from comcast, the local cable company. Bliss: cats, internet. What more does a home need?
I tried talking to her: "oh, really?" "and then what happened?" "I knoooow." "you're okay." "we'll be there soon" "just a little longer" "RRRAAAO!" But as usual, nothing seemed to soothe her.
We arrived; I brought in the cats, all the stuff. I set up the litter box, and let them out of their carriers. For the first time, they didn't bolt right out, but sat in them for a while. I think this last transition was just too much. First I was packing in Ithaca, then we moved to Phoebe and Thorsten's for a few days, then we had the big travel day, then we lived in Greeley for a few days. I think they liked staying in Greeley. But tough nouggies - I want to be in my house.
(I swear I just heard this on the radio: "Hi! This is Skip, the proctologist ...")
Got the high speed internet from comcast, the local cable company. Bliss: cats, internet. What more does a home need?
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