Update on the motel picture thing... I've lost my camera. It might be here somewhere in my luggage or whatever, but for now I can't find it. It's too bad because I had some good hotel pictures!
ARRRRGG!!!
Friday, June 30, 2006
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Motels, Hotels and Inns, Oh My
I wish I would have started taking pictures of hotels and stuff earlier, but I was in a Best Western and I think they all pretty much look alike. I think Ruben and I are going to start staying in some odd places, especially in the smaller towns, so I'm happy to report that I'll be taking pics of the places we've been.
In Crescent City, CA we stayed at a place called the Curly Redwood. It was apparently made from a giant redwood... but just the walls, etc. Being there was like being transported to the 1960's - it was soooo retro! It was all obviously the original furnishings.
I don't know if you can see this awesome lamp in enough detail.
I like this light over the bed. You can see the cord coming down the wall to that round thing which is the switch. Nice.
In Crescent City, CA we stayed at a place called the Curly Redwood. It was apparently made from a giant redwood... but just the walls, etc. Being there was like being transported to the 1960's - it was soooo retro! It was all obviously the original furnishings.
I don't know if you can see this awesome lamp in enough detail.
I like this light over the bed. You can see the cord coming down the wall to that round thing which is the switch. Nice.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
More Construction
Today was great. I got to cut stuff with a circular saw! I was a little intimidated by it, but didn't back down when I was told I would be using it. It wasn't bad! I was pleased that they trusted me to run the saw rather than the older (but not much older) fella that we're working with. Unfortunately, they also trusted me to run to Home Depot for supplies. Three times. I was getting tired of that, but it's all part of the job I suppose. Oh, and that's the same fella who had never heard of "Arrrrg, Matey!!!" He's the ANTIPIRATE!
Yesterday I pinched the tip of my finger between some wood and hard plastic and I actually watched it fill up with blood. I knew it was going to get ugly and painful if I didn't do something about it, so I took a screw and poked a hole in it. It bled for a while, so I got a little piece of paper towel and some electrical tape and plugged it. It's still a little sore, but at least it isn't a huge blood blister.
I'm having so much fun, I'm actually considering telling the boss that I would rather just do what I've been doing (including the construction) instead of going to be a tech. I haven't really decided yet. If I do that, I might have to consider getting a roommate so my cats aren't neglected. Hm. Not sure.
Yesterday I pinched the tip of my finger between some wood and hard plastic and I actually watched it fill up with blood. I knew it was going to get ugly and painful if I didn't do something about it, so I took a screw and poked a hole in it. It bled for a while, so I got a little piece of paper towel and some electrical tape and plugged it. It's still a little sore, but at least it isn't a huge blood blister.
I'm having so much fun, I'm actually considering telling the boss that I would rather just do what I've been doing (including the construction) instead of going to be a tech. I haven't really decided yet. If I do that, I might have to consider getting a roommate so my cats aren't neglected. Hm. Not sure.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
If I had a hammer
Yesterday was my first day at the construction site. For those of you who don't know, this week I'm part of the construction crew building the pharmacy I'm going to be working in. I'm actually really excited about it. I had the choices of having a week off (unpaid), working in a pharmacy somewhere else, or doing construction. I chose the latter obviously.
I have been trusted with a saw.
Sure, it's only a jigsaw, but still! I got to cut several pieces out of shelving! It was awesome. Since I knew I would be doing this kind of stuff, I went out and got an inexpensive tool belt, a hammer and measuring tape. I've used them all!!! Today I'm wearing my cammie pants because they'll be a little more comfortable I think. It's great not having to iron my clothes or anything. Oh, and yesterday I stunk at the end of the day. I was dirty and sweaty and stinky. Woo-hoo! I'm looking forward to another stinky day!
I have been trusted with a saw.
Sure, it's only a jigsaw, but still! I got to cut several pieces out of shelving! It was awesome. Since I knew I would be doing this kind of stuff, I went out and got an inexpensive tool belt, a hammer and measuring tape. I've used them all!!! Today I'm wearing my cammie pants because they'll be a little more comfortable I think. It's great not having to iron my clothes or anything. Oh, and yesterday I stunk at the end of the day. I was dirty and sweaty and stinky. Woo-hoo! I'm looking forward to another stinky day!
Friday, June 02, 2006
Happy Memorial Day
I know I'm a little late, but I was on the road for Memorial Day. So on that special day, I took this picture out of the back of my Jeep while driving on the coast... Happy (belated) Memorial Day everybody!
Drivin' Along
On my way back to Brookings this last Monday, I had a sudden urgency to... Stop. Potty Break!!! Thankfully, I was blessed about a mile later with a small, dead end road leading to this:
It was a great little pit stop - very pretty!
self portrait:
It was a great little pit stop - very pretty!
self portrait:
Monday, May 29, 2006
Travels
On my way to Brookings one Sunday evening, I went through an awesome hail storm. In fact, just before I went through it, I saw the clouds and the color reminded me of tornado weather. Greenish sky - very spooky! It was hard to get a good picture, but here you can see that everybody has actually either pulled off the interstate, or they are going about 5 mph. Even the semis pulled over!
The hail was coming down so hard, I actually got a little nervous. And I could feel rain on my face coming in from the sides of my Jeep (I guess) where the half-canvas doors were being blown around. It was pretty cool.
On a totally different note, I was at WalMart and I saw this:
You just take any CD, scan it under this machine, and it plays clips from that CD! How thoughtful! You don't have to listen to the ones that they have plugged in, you can just pick an album and listen! Ahhh, the joys of technology!
The hail was coming down so hard, I actually got a little nervous. And I could feel rain on my face coming in from the sides of my Jeep (I guess) where the half-canvas doors were being blown around. It was pretty cool.
On a totally different note, I was at WalMart and I saw this:
You just take any CD, scan it under this machine, and it plays clips from that CD! How thoughtful! You don't have to listen to the ones that they have plugged in, you can just pick an album and listen! Ahhh, the joys of technology!
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Home again
***YAAAAAAAAWWWWNNNNN***
Well, I'm back at home! I slept a little over 9 hours last night and it felt GREAT. Yesterday we were in the parade in Brookings. I thought it was going to be a little silly, but I ended up hearing a lot of people talking about us and stuff. It was awesome exposure! While I won't post pictures of our truck and trailer from the outside (because it has the name of the company I work for, etc. - yeah, call me paranoid), I DO have pictures from the inside! Keep in mind that our trailer is actually 53 feet long!!! 53 FEET! It's monstrous!
This is the view from my desk.
And here is my desk from the other side. You can't see my chair, but I have a cushy chair... and I might be getting something even more comfortable! Hehehehe!
It's a pretty good setup. I really enjoy it! Driving for 5 1/2 hours every Monday and Friday sucks, but oh well. And being away from the cats sucks. Speaking of the cats, they're doing ok. I think they still fight once in a while, but Buddy was downstairs yelling at me in the window as soon as he heard Roger pull up in the driveway. So I think they're almost back to normal.
Well, I have to get ready for church, so this is it for now. I'll try to post more later - I want to tell you about the storm I went through just north of Eugene. No biggie, but it's something to post!
Well, I'm back at home! I slept a little over 9 hours last night and it felt GREAT. Yesterday we were in the parade in Brookings. I thought it was going to be a little silly, but I ended up hearing a lot of people talking about us and stuff. It was awesome exposure! While I won't post pictures of our truck and trailer from the outside (because it has the name of the company I work for, etc. - yeah, call me paranoid), I DO have pictures from the inside! Keep in mind that our trailer is actually 53 feet long!!! 53 FEET! It's monstrous!
This is the view from my desk.
And here is my desk from the other side. You can't see my chair, but I have a cushy chair... and I might be getting something even more comfortable! Hehehehe!
It's a pretty good setup. I really enjoy it! Driving for 5 1/2 hours every Monday and Friday sucks, but oh well. And being away from the cats sucks. Speaking of the cats, they're doing ok. I think they still fight once in a while, but Buddy was downstairs yelling at me in the window as soon as he heard Roger pull up in the driveway. So I think they're almost back to normal.
Well, I have to get ready for church, so this is it for now. I'll try to post more later - I want to tell you about the storm I went through just north of Eugene. No biggie, but it's something to post!
Saturday, May 20, 2006
My Sweater!
So I finally finished my sweater (my very first!) while I was in Brookings - the last time. It was cold and foggy and I needed it. :) It's WAY too big... I made a man's medium and apparently I should have made a small. But live and learn. So here it is. I didn't put a collar on it because I kind of like it like this... It won't mess up my hair when I put it on! :) hehehe
I told you it was huge.
I told you it was huge.
May
Well, it's the weekend and I'm finally back home. It's weird being gone all the time. I'm starting to forget which light switch does what if there's more than one switch on a panel. I flick one on for light and the fan turns on. Oh well.
This coming weekend is pretty packed. I want to do something with Joel for taking care of the cats (and they've been horrible!), mow the lawn, go to Jeff's and install my new valve cover,go to church, do all my laundry and iron it for next week. This week is different because they need us down there over Memorial Day weekend. So I'm going to be gone for two weeks this time. I feel bad for my cats. I know Joel is looking in on them, but they're my babies and I can tell they've missed me. I just gave them Advantage, so they're even more angry. I guess Buddy and Grace have been fighting all week, and this is the cake topper. But it has to be done! Hopefully they'll forgive me.
On my way into Brookings last Monday, I had left early to be there early. I wanted to be able to get some coffee, fill the tank, do whatever. Well, they have construction going on. At that point, it was at the beginning of town, but the traffic was all the way out about 2 miles from town. I was in that flippin' traffic for over AN HOUR!!! There was enough "sitting-around" time for the trucker behind me to check something out in his engine compartment:
I rolled into work 15 minutes late, to see the owner of the company there talking on his phone. ARG! Other than that, things have been going along pretty well. The construction is now right in front of where we were working, but we're moving the trailer down to Harbor this coming week, so maybe we'll have a little more peace and quiet and better smells. Not that the smell of fresh blacktop isn't great.
Now that I'm back at home, I've got to tell you about my strange neighbors across the street... again. They've apparently got some company. And they drive this:
Can you see the cow skull on the top? And chained to the back is a lovely pitbull, or whatever breed it is... It's scary!
I've been online long enough - time to get my chores and errands done! I'll try to figure out how to blog from the road, but until then - see ya!
This coming weekend is pretty packed. I want to do something with Joel for taking care of the cats (and they've been horrible!), mow the lawn, go to Jeff's and install my new valve cover,go to church, do all my laundry and iron it for next week. This week is different because they need us down there over Memorial Day weekend. So I'm going to be gone for two weeks this time. I feel bad for my cats. I know Joel is looking in on them, but they're my babies and I can tell they've missed me. I just gave them Advantage, so they're even more angry. I guess Buddy and Grace have been fighting all week, and this is the cake topper. But it has to be done! Hopefully they'll forgive me.
On my way into Brookings last Monday, I had left early to be there early. I wanted to be able to get some coffee, fill the tank, do whatever. Well, they have construction going on. At that point, it was at the beginning of town, but the traffic was all the way out about 2 miles from town. I was in that flippin' traffic for over AN HOUR!!! There was enough "sitting-around" time for the trucker behind me to check something out in his engine compartment:
I rolled into work 15 minutes late, to see the owner of the company there talking on his phone. ARG! Other than that, things have been going along pretty well. The construction is now right in front of where we were working, but we're moving the trailer down to Harbor this coming week, so maybe we'll have a little more peace and quiet and better smells. Not that the smell of fresh blacktop isn't great.
Now that I'm back at home, I've got to tell you about my strange neighbors across the street... again. They've apparently got some company. And they drive this:
Can you see the cow skull on the top? And chained to the back is a lovely pitbull, or whatever breed it is... It's scary!
I've been online long enough - time to get my chores and errands done! I'll try to figure out how to blog from the road, but until then - see ya!
Friday, May 12, 2006
The First Week and Another First...
So my first week was great. I really love my job so far! I know I already posted that, so I'll try not to be redundant. I had a request from Jim (hey Jim, let me know if it's okay to make a hyperlink to your site... you can email my work address or comment here) to post pics of Brookings, so Jim, this is for you:
This was a pretty windy day - nice waves.
I can't think of what street this is on... I think it's Oak Street.
There are a couple for ya anyway. :)
Now for something new. I was stopped on my way home and given a present. Some of you might recognize this gift:
That's right Ladies and Gentlemen. I got my very first ticket. I don't know how much detail you can see, but the fine is $242!!!!! My first offense!!! Good night! Well, I guess it was bound to happen. I'm thirty... something... and I suppose it's about time I got my first ticket. *sigh*
Okay, enough. I'm pooped. Time for some rest and whatnot. :)
This was a pretty windy day - nice waves.
I can't think of what street this is on... I think it's Oak Street.
There are a couple for ya anyway. :)
Now for something new. I was stopped on my way home and given a present. Some of you might recognize this gift:
That's right Ladies and Gentlemen. I got my very first ticket. I don't know how much detail you can see, but the fine is $242!!!!! My first offense!!! Good night! Well, I guess it was bound to happen. I'm thirty... something... and I suppose it's about time I got my first ticket. *sigh*
Okay, enough. I'm pooped. Time for some rest and whatnot. :)
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
On the Road Part 1
Honestly, I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to finish the post about the trip to Ashland, but I'll try... Later.
I'm in Brookings - again - but this time for work. So far, it's been going great. The work is laid back and the people are awesome. I really like the people I work for and work with. What a difference it makes! I don't have any pictures right now because I'm at my friend, Marie's house, and I don't have my camera with me. But I'll try to get to all the pics later.
It's been pretty nice in Brookings. The weather is awesome (a lot nicer than when I lived here) and the people have been cool too. I'm doing new things and learning things. But it's pretty calm and fun.
We've been eating dinner at Marie's, which is great because she's a great cook. Yesterday was steak, potatoes and a vegetable medley. Today was twice baked potatoes and meatloaf. Tomorrow is meatloaf. We are spoiled. No doubt.
I've been a little concerned about Buddy and Grace, but I just have to remember that they're not that helpless and they'll be fine. Plus Joel is looking in on them, so they aren't totally alone.
I'll try to take pictures of the hotel and whatnot, but for now this will have to do. Gotta go for now...
I'm in Brookings - again - but this time for work. So far, it's been going great. The work is laid back and the people are awesome. I really like the people I work for and work with. What a difference it makes! I don't have any pictures right now because I'm at my friend, Marie's house, and I don't have my camera with me. But I'll try to get to all the pics later.
It's been pretty nice in Brookings. The weather is awesome (a lot nicer than when I lived here) and the people have been cool too. I'm doing new things and learning things. But it's pretty calm and fun.
We've been eating dinner at Marie's, which is great because she's a great cook. Yesterday was steak, potatoes and a vegetable medley. Today was twice baked potatoes and meatloaf. Tomorrow is meatloaf. We are spoiled. No doubt.
I've been a little concerned about Buddy and Grace, but I just have to remember that they're not that helpless and they'll be fine. Plus Joel is looking in on them, so they aren't totally alone.
I'll try to take pictures of the hotel and whatnot, but for now this will have to do. Gotta go for now...
Friday, May 05, 2006
Training in Ashland Pt. I
Yesterday I drove down to Ashland for some training for my new job. I actually rented a car (an Elantra), as I mentioned previously, and it was great.
I got to hear the music I was playing, it had a sunroof, and it apparently liked to go fast. Automatic vehicles are like that!
Welcome to the Mid-Valley or Willamette Valley:
Here's a common sight.
And more to follow....
I got to hear the music I was playing, it had a sunroof, and it apparently liked to go fast. Automatic vehicles are like that!
Welcome to the Mid-Valley or Willamette Valley:
Here's a common sight.
And more to follow....
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
American Idol
Well, with Rayleen busy at the moment, the American Idol review falls to me. I'm not going to be nearly as colorful or lengthy as Faythe or Rayleen, but here it goes...
They went through the normal blah, blah about what Randy, Paula and Simon thought about the performances last night. I didn't actually watch last night's show, so I can't comment. And I have to admit, I was at my computer listening, so I don't know how they looked. I hang my head in shame for Rayleen and Faythe.
After the initial boring "this is what happened last night" stuff, I was surprised at how fast they started "safing" people. I thought they were going to draw it out and make groups and whatever, but I suppose with only five left, you can't really draw it out much.
Taylor: safe.
Chris: safe.
Paris was the first to be in the bottom two. She sang Prince's "Kiss". Eh. It was okay. I wasn't impressed by it and I don't really think it's a song she should sing. I think she should sing songs with a little more... I don't know, but a little more.
Kathryn (am I spelling her name right? I don't think so.) and Elliott were the last two... and Kathryn.... is safe.
Elliot sang "On Broadway", a song that I am sick of. I think it's over-used for commercials, movies, whatever. And yes Faythe, he was "goaty". He must have been pretty nervous, poor guy.
I figured early on that it was time for Paris to leave and my assumption was correct. She got to sing one last time after watching her travels through the show and she didn't sound very good, but I think it was because of emotions. I think she's great, but I agree that it was time. If I were bold enough to make a prediction for next week, I would have to say it's Elliot's turn. Not because he was in the bottom two, but just because I think he's been low-key, hiding-in-the-back long enough. But I could be wrong!
Oh, and I'm really getting tired of that freakin' song, "You've Had a Bad Day", or whatever it's called! I used to like it, but come on!!! Arrrrrrggg!!!!
They went through the normal blah, blah about what Randy, Paula and Simon thought about the performances last night. I didn't actually watch last night's show, so I can't comment. And I have to admit, I was at my computer listening, so I don't know how they looked. I hang my head in shame for Rayleen and Faythe.
After the initial boring "this is what happened last night" stuff, I was surprised at how fast they started "safing" people. I thought they were going to draw it out and make groups and whatever, but I suppose with only five left, you can't really draw it out much.
Taylor: safe.
Chris: safe.
Paris was the first to be in the bottom two. She sang Prince's "Kiss". Eh. It was okay. I wasn't impressed by it and I don't really think it's a song she should sing. I think she should sing songs with a little more... I don't know, but a little more.
Kathryn (am I spelling her name right? I don't think so.) and Elliott were the last two... and Kathryn.... is safe.
Elliot sang "On Broadway", a song that I am sick of. I think it's over-used for commercials, movies, whatever. And yes Faythe, he was "goaty". He must have been pretty nervous, poor guy.
I figured early on that it was time for Paris to leave and my assumption was correct. She got to sing one last time after watching her travels through the show and she didn't sound very good, but I think it was because of emotions. I think she's great, but I agree that it was time. If I were bold enough to make a prediction for next week, I would have to say it's Elliot's turn. Not because he was in the bottom two, but just because I think he's been low-key, hiding-in-the-back long enough. But I could be wrong!
Oh, and I'm really getting tired of that freakin' song, "You've Had a Bad Day", or whatever it's called! I used to like it, but come on!!! Arrrrrrggg!!!!
Random
I finally got a picture of the front of the courthouse without anybody standing in the way! Not that I don't want people in my pictures, but I feel like a freak taking their picture when I don't know them. I had some more pictures of really pretty flowers, but they came out blurry - dang it!
This was nice - My boss got me flowers for Secretary's Day:
It's not the best picture, but I was in a hurry and Buddy was trying to eat them. He loves flowers. And grass. And ferns. And thinly sliced cucumbers.
Speaking of work, today was my last day!!! She gave me my paycheck 15 minutes before I was supposed to leave... And then gave me some work to do so that I left 15 minutes late! AAAAAHHHHHHHHH!
I'm driving to Ashland tomorrow - about 4 hours of driving - for some training. I actually reserved a rental car as soon as I got home because Roger is leaking a little oil from the back of the valve cover. I think the gasket squished out a little and it's spurting out a bit. There's even a little oil on the BACK of Roger! So I'm giving him the day off since I don't want him bleeding all over the freeway... And I want to make it there and back. I love Roger and all, but I must admit I'm looking forward to actually hearing music on the long drive. If I make good time, I'll try to take some pictures...
This was nice - My boss got me flowers for Secretary's Day:
It's not the best picture, but I was in a hurry and Buddy was trying to eat them. He loves flowers. And grass. And ferns. And thinly sliced cucumbers.
Speaking of work, today was my last day!!! She gave me my paycheck 15 minutes before I was supposed to leave... And then gave me some work to do so that I left 15 minutes late! AAAAAHHHHHHHHH!
I'm driving to Ashland tomorrow - about 4 hours of driving - for some training. I actually reserved a rental car as soon as I got home because Roger is leaking a little oil from the back of the valve cover. I think the gasket squished out a little and it's spurting out a bit. There's even a little oil on the BACK of Roger! So I'm giving him the day off since I don't want him bleeding all over the freeway... And I want to make it there and back. I love Roger and all, but I must admit I'm looking forward to actually hearing music on the long drive. If I make good time, I'll try to take some pictures...
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Get-A-Date April 2006
Well, seeing how well it worked to give myself a deadline to find a new job, I tried it on my love-life. The deadline is May 1st... and it doesn't look good.
I mean, miracles never cease, but I'm being realistic here. It's tomorrow. So today I'm going to church and then I think I'll grab some sushi or something... and then I'll most likely go home.
Where are all the guys hanging out? I don't know! Somebody told me to hang out at a golf course. But that's the only place people can think of for me to go a-guy huntin'. Well, I've heard "bowling alley" and "library" too, but... How pitiful is this?!? I suppose I should have looked in the yellow pages for good ideas.
Maybe a gym? Of course, I'll need a membership to hang out there more than once. And honestly, I was hit on once at the gym and I was very annoyed. Not only was the guy a creep, but I was trying to work out!!!
My mom tried to set me up with a guy at church ("He's really rich!!"), but I could see right away that he and I wouldn't match. He was probably around my age (give or take 5 years), but looked much older. Not older like wrinkles and stuff, but older as in no fun, no silliness, no adventure.
I could go hang out at a coffee shop, but I'd probably get all loaded on caffine and then meeting some guy could be disasterous! I wouldn't be able to shut up and I'd be all gittery! Of course the people that worked there might call the cops on me for loitering. Hm. I suppose I could meet a guy in uniform that way...
Well, we'll see what happens today and tomorrow. Maybe I'll get inspired to go somewhere and I'll get a date!!! Maybe at the grocery store! Maybe a park! Maybe a Harley Davidson shop!... Oh, well, maybe not there...
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Age and Stuff
For some reason it seems that I've seen a lot of people aging around me, but I don't feel like I've aged as much. Especially when I see somebody I haven't seen in a while, I think, "Wow, he/she looks so different! Like an adult and stuff." But I don't feel the same way. Except when I get up and my back hurts. Or when my knees sound like Pop Rocks. Or when younger people annoy me. Whatever.
Speaking of changing the subject, I ate my lunch at the courthouse the other day since it was so sunny. Here's the side... I wanted to get the front, but there was a lady smoking and staring at me. I didn't want her in my picture.
And this is facing the street...
Closer to the courthouse, there were various shrubs and flowers. I love sunny days!!
Speaking of changing the subject, I ate my lunch at the courthouse the other day since it was so sunny. Here's the side... I wanted to get the front, but there was a lady smoking and staring at me. I didn't want her in my picture.
And this is facing the street...
Closer to the courthouse, there were various shrubs and flowers. I love sunny days!!
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Roger
For a while now Roger has had some difficulties starting up. Sometimes not starting at all. Of course I just had to give him a second, and then he'd start, but very labored. I was hoping all he needed was a tune-up...
Lucky for me, Jeff knows quite a bit about vehicles and how they work. He got everything I needed and then looked under the hood and, after giving me the look of shame, ordered a valve cover gasket as well.
We ended up replacing the cap and rotor, plugs and wires, PCV valve, thermostat, valve cover gasket, cleaned the combustion chamber out and flushed the coolant. I gotta tell ya, Roger is feeling fine!!! We took him out for a victory lap (and to blow out some of the gunk) and for the first mile or two there was a nice blue smoke following me. That'll teach the guy behind me for following too close! But it cleared up pretty quickly and Jeff and I enjoyed the smooth ride. Well, smooth for a Jeep.
When we got back, Jeff took me for a ride on his four-wheeler. Duke knew what was going on and took off like a shot! He loves that thing! He gets to race it and boy does he run fast! Jeff is kind of a daredevil and there was only one or two times when I was a little scared, but I trust him (obviously with my life!) and I knew it would all be good. We caught air a couple of times and I'm sure we were going faster than 100 m.p.h. at a few of points.
All in all, it was a great weekend. When I drove Roger home, I had a smile on my face. It's nice that he's running so great! Especially when I'll be using him for a bit of travel in the next couple of months.
For some reason, I don't have any good pictures of him right now, so I'll just have to get some! I just took the doors off because it's been nice and sunny... Maybe I'll give him a (much needed) bath and take some pictures.
AAARRRRRGG!!!
Lucky for me, Jeff knows quite a bit about vehicles and how they work. He got everything I needed and then looked under the hood and, after giving me the look of shame, ordered a valve cover gasket as well.
We ended up replacing the cap and rotor, plugs and wires, PCV valve, thermostat, valve cover gasket, cleaned the combustion chamber out and flushed the coolant. I gotta tell ya, Roger is feeling fine!!! We took him out for a victory lap (and to blow out some of the gunk) and for the first mile or two there was a nice blue smoke following me. That'll teach the guy behind me for following too close! But it cleared up pretty quickly and Jeff and I enjoyed the smooth ride. Well, smooth for a Jeep.
When we got back, Jeff took me for a ride on his four-wheeler. Duke knew what was going on and took off like a shot! He loves that thing! He gets to race it and boy does he run fast! Jeff is kind of a daredevil and there was only one or two times when I was a little scared, but I trust him (obviously with my life!) and I knew it would all be good. We caught air a couple of times and I'm sure we were going faster than 100 m.p.h. at a few of points.
All in all, it was a great weekend. When I drove Roger home, I had a smile on my face. It's nice that he's running so great! Especially when I'll be using him for a bit of travel in the next couple of months.
For some reason, I don't have any good pictures of him right now, so I'll just have to get some! I just took the doors off because it's been nice and sunny... Maybe I'll give him a (much needed) bath and take some pictures.
AAARRRRRGG!!!
Friday, April 21, 2006
Devil Cats
I sometimes open my door so the cats can stare out the screen door into the lovely front yard. This neighborhood is FULL of cats. No joke, there are probably five cats visible at any given time. Well, a couple of those are black like my Grace, and one of them just happened to saunter by the screen door yesterday morning. I don't know what happened, but suddenly there was a horrible screaming and things falling down and whatnot. I ran into the living room to see Grace (10 lbs.) chasing Buddy (18.5 lbs.). He's very brave toward other cats and animals, but when it comes to Grace... Well, even I'm afraid of her when she's mad!
Grace gets all slinky and her ears go back and all you see are white fangs and green, evil eyes. It's pretty freaky.
All day they were angry at each other, and all night. Hissing, yelling, the whole shebang. For the most part, one stayed upstairs and one downstairs.
This morning they finally started to chill out. They were in the same room as each other, separated by me. Still growling and hissing, but in the same room!
By the time I came home tonight, they're almost back to normal. They've been running around, chasing each other... Generally having fun. Once in a while they look at each other with narrowed eyes, but it's been mostly calm this evening.
*sigh* Maybe I'll be able to sleep tonight without being woken up by, "RRRRREEEEEEOOOOOOOWWWWWRRRRRRRR!!!!", and "HIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!"
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
I feel pretty... oh, so pretty...
I realize I haven't posted in a while, but it's actually been a pretty busy week for me. I had a solo, well really three performances on Easter Sunday. I haven't had a solo in a while, so I was on the nervous side. That frustrates me because I feel pretty relaxed, but when I sing, it's obvious my vocal chords are not relaxed. The first service was... okay. I could have been a lot better. The second and third were better as I was a little more comfortable. My friend Jeff was at the second service to cheer me on (and made me feel great about my performance) and my Mom was at the third. She was concentrating on the taping, so she really didn't hear much of it until she got home and watched the tape. That's fine with me! :)
Then the next day on Monday, I drove 200 miles to a job interview. It wasn't like any interview I've been on before really. It was more of a photo shoot (to promote their new thing), but it was very relaxed and fun. I laughed and had a good time, and yet still had somewhat of an interview. Today I got an official offer that I would be a freakin' moron to turn down. Praise God!!! I'll be getting somewhere around a 60% raise. It's awesome. The first two months or so will be a lot of travel, ie., living out of hotels and stuff, but it will be worth it.
So I'm pooped. There's a lot of stress involved in solos and job changes. I'm hoping to go to bed early and sleeeeeeep!!!
More later.
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