Hello! As it is the holiday season (ok, I know I am a bit late with that, but bear with me)…I can’t help but recall the “Nutsacker” from last year – the Baltimore version of the Nutcracker Ballet. We saw nothing nearly as riveting or entertaining this year.
So, yes..we are alive and well in Wellington, New Zealand. Of course, you three readers probably already know this if you are reading our other blog (and if for some reason you don’t have the link, send me an email, and I’ll give it to you). So, then, no reason to recreate all the updates here.
I will still post here now and then, if I want to talk about something that doesn’t fit in with the feel of the NZ blog. In that spirit, I saw this on another blog, and decided I’d like to do it here. It’s a difficult one, because I tend to say whatever I want to anyone I want. Here goes -
List ten things you want to say to people you know but you never will, for whatever reason. Don't say who they are. Use each person only once.
1. Can’t believe you answered my long letter with a short email. Your marriage is a sham, and she is going to eventually kill you and take all your money to support her slutty, lazy daughter.
2. I can’t believe I never realized how selfish and needy you are. All I wanted was one day that was mine – my wedding day – and you just couldn’t pull yourself together to be supportive and happy for me. I’m sorry you hated your own wedding day, and that your marriage is a miserable one. Get a divorce already or get some serious therapy before one of you has a heart attack!
3. I’m sorry things ended badly with us. You were a great friend to me when I needed one, and I was hoping to reconnect with you now that things are going well for me. I’m sorry I picked the wrong day for that. Hope you are doing well and that you are happy.
4. I am certain we would have been friends if we had met in person and not on cyberspace. I enjoy reading your blog, and hope that it continues to be good therapy for you. I will continue to write any supportive words I can, but probably will never tell you who I am.
5. You make me feel short and unpretty whenever you are near me, and I honestly feel that you want me to feel that way. I hope one day you can realize and appreciate me without feeling so threatened that you need to give me backhanded compliments.
6. Please don’t marry him. You deserve a strong man who will put you first…a man who you don’t need to make excuses for.
7. I love you, and I’m a better person because of you. You probably know that, but now I’m really far away.
Ok, that’s all I can think of for now.
Happy Holidays everyone! Here’s to a happy and prosperous New Year.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
One Week!
Life is just hurtling along! Another step toward New Zealand! The movers will be here in one week to pack up our entire house and move it to Wellington. GAH!
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Farewell, my sweet kitty
Do Not Weep" by Mary E. Frye (1932)
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the mornings hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die...
Monday, October 23, 2006
Figgy
I'm facing the horrible moment of when I will say goodbye to my cat. I've known for a while that this moment would come, but it's not quite how I imagined it would be. When Darren and I decided to move to New Zealand, we knew there was a great chance Figgy couldn't come with us due to the long trek and the quarantine. Knowing Figgy, the process would be torture for him, and it seemed selfish to make him suffer through all that just to have him with us.
Figgy showed up at one of of the most difficult times in my life. I was living in a city that I hated, in an apartment I had once shared with the boyfriend I had moved to Pittsburgh to be with, and I was all but fired from my job. He was a scruffy very tiny kitten - too small to have climbed the fence around my yard. I took him in and immediately fell in love with him. As he grew, he only became more and more handsome, and definitely a mama's boy.
He came with me as I started my new life in an apartment of my own, and then on the road with me as I worked in Arizona, Dallas, Minneapolis and Hartford. He didn't mind flying at all, but eventually grew weary of all the different hotel rooms that smelled like other people and animals. When I finally settled in Columbia, he tolerated the apartment we first lived in until I could afford to buy more space for him to stretch out.
Figgy has seen me through job losses and break-ups, but also all the good times, too - buying a place of my own, meeting Darren and getting married. Granted, he hated the sound of my crying, and often 'yelled' at me to stop or bit me, but he always cuddled with me when I needed him. Figs often acts like a dog - he runs to the door when I get home, follows me from room to room, and will not go upstairs to bed until I do. At night, he lays on my chest while I pet him, and then curls up by my feet.
Over the past few months, Darren and I have been trying to figure out who could take Figgy. I've had him all of his 10 years, and I know all his quirks. How could I be sure that someone else would love him as much as I do? How could I be sure that they would remember not to trap him when vacuuming or to tell the vet he doesn't like a towel placed over his head, even if he is acting up? And what about those late-night urges to cuddle while purring super-loud? Would a stranger (or even a friend) put up with that? Most of our friends were ruled out because they already had cats or dogs - Figgy is very dominant and doesn't get along with other pets very well. This has been a constant source of stress since we booked our tickets to New Zealand.
This weekend, Figgy started drooling a lot while after eating or cleaning himself. I noticed the past few weeks that he had not been grooming as well, but figured his fur had just gotten out of hand. Today the vet confirmed my worst fears - Figgy has a cancerous tumor on his jaw, which is partially obstructing his mouth. As time goes on, and the tumor grows, he will have more and more difficulty eating and grooming. He is not in pain now, and he seems to be handling the discomfort ok. Still, I cannot be selfish and drag out his life until he is no longer capable of feeding himself. He is such a strong, big, handsome cat - I cannot see him as a frail sickly cat. The end is very near, and I find it is much more difficult than what I had imagined.
The stress of finding him a home is no longer there, but I feel like my heart is breaking every time I look at him and imagine him as a kitten. I stare at him every moment I'm home, trying to memorize how he looks curled up on the couch, or eating, or how his purr sounds when I'm petting him. I want to soak up every last moment with him before I have to let him go.
*sigh* You'd think I'd have run out of tears by now. =(
Ok, now for more pictures:
Monday, September 25, 2006
If only...
I read this editorial by Jonathan Alter in the September 18th Newsweek. Could it have been this way? Or is it a case of 20/20 hindsight?
For those who want to skip all the ads on the page, the text:
An Alternate 9/11 History
Sept. 18, 2006 issue - Five years after 9/11, the world is surprisingly peaceful. President Bush's pragmatic and bipartisan leadership has kept the United States not just strong but unexpectedly popular across the globe. The president himself is poised to enjoy big GOP wins in the midterm elections, a validation of his subtle understanding of the challenges facing the country. A new survey of historians puts him in the first tier of American presidents.
As Bush warned, catching terrorists wasn't easy, but he kept at it. At the battle of Tora Bora, CIA operatives on the ground cabled Washington that Osama bin Laden was cornered, but they desperately needed troop support. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld immediately dispatched fresh forces, and the evildoer was killed. While bin Laden was seen as a martyr in a few isolated areas, the bulk of the Arab world had been in sympathy with the United States after 9/11 and shed no tears. After their capture, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and other 9/11 terrorists were transported to the United States, where they were tried and quickly executed.
Today, Al Qaeda remains a threat but its opportunities for recruitment have been scarce, and the involvement of the entire international community has helped dramatically reduce terrorist attacks worldwide. Because Bush believes diplomacy requires talking to adversaries as well as friends, even Syria and Iraq were forced to help. By staying "humble," as he promised in 2000, he preserved much of the post-9/11 good feeling abroad, which paid dividends when it came time to pull together a coalition to handle North Korea and Iran.
At home, some aides suggested that Bush simply tell the nation to "go shopping." But the president knew he had a precious opportunity to ask Americans for real sacrifice. He took John McCain's suggestion and pushed through Congress an ambitious national-service program that bolstered communities and helped train citizens as first responders.
Soon Bush put the country on a Manhattan Project crash course to get off oil. He bluntly told Detroit that it was embarrassing that Chinese automakers had better fuel efficiency, he classified SUVs as cars, and he imposed a stiff gas tax with a rebate for the working poor. To pay for it, he abandoned his tax cuts for the wealthy, reminding the country that no president in history had ever cut taxes in the middle of a war. This president would be damned if he was going to put more oil money into the pockets of Middle Eastern hatemongers who had killed nearly 3,000 of our people. To dramatize the point, he drove to his 2002 State of the Union address in a hybrid car. Sales soared.
When Karl Rove suggested that the war on terror would make a perfect wedge issue against Democrats in the 2002 midterms, Bush brought him up short. Didn't Rove understand that bipartisanship is good politics? Lincoln and FDR had both gone bipartisan during wartime, he reminded his aide. So when evidence of torture at the prison camp in Guantánamo Bay surfaced and Rumsfeld was forced to resign, former Democratic senator Sam Nunn got the job. With post-9/11 unity still at least partially intact in 2004, Bush was re-elected in a landslide.
Taking a cue from Lincoln's impatience with his generals, Bush was merciless about poor performance on homeland security. When the head of the FBI couldn't fix the bureau's computers in a year's time to "connect the dots," he was out. And Bush had no patience for excuse-making about leaky port security, unsecured chemical plants and first responders whose radios didn't communicate. If someone had told him that five years after 9/11 these problems would still be unsolved, Bush would have laughed him out of the office.
In 2003, Vice President Cheney advised the president to take out Iraq's Saddam Hussein militarily. But Bush was beginning to understand that his veep, while sounding full of gravitas, was in fact reckless. When it became clear that Saddam posed no imminent threat, Bush resolved to neuter him, Kaddafi style. When the president found, after a little asking around, that the 10-year cost of invading Iraq would be a crushing $1.2 trillion, he opted out of this war of choice.
Five years after that awful September day, even Bush's fiercest critics have learned an important lesson: leadership counts. Imagine if we'd done the opposite of these things. This country—and the world—would be in a heap of trouble.
For those who want to skip all the ads on the page, the text:
An Alternate 9/11 History
Sept. 18, 2006 issue - Five years after 9/11, the world is surprisingly peaceful. President Bush's pragmatic and bipartisan leadership has kept the United States not just strong but unexpectedly popular across the globe. The president himself is poised to enjoy big GOP wins in the midterm elections, a validation of his subtle understanding of the challenges facing the country. A new survey of historians puts him in the first tier of American presidents.
As Bush warned, catching terrorists wasn't easy, but he kept at it. At the battle of Tora Bora, CIA operatives on the ground cabled Washington that Osama bin Laden was cornered, but they desperately needed troop support. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld immediately dispatched fresh forces, and the evildoer was killed. While bin Laden was seen as a martyr in a few isolated areas, the bulk of the Arab world had been in sympathy with the United States after 9/11 and shed no tears. After their capture, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and other 9/11 terrorists were transported to the United States, where they were tried and quickly executed.
Today, Al Qaeda remains a threat but its opportunities for recruitment have been scarce, and the involvement of the entire international community has helped dramatically reduce terrorist attacks worldwide. Because Bush believes diplomacy requires talking to adversaries as well as friends, even Syria and Iraq were forced to help. By staying "humble," as he promised in 2000, he preserved much of the post-9/11 good feeling abroad, which paid dividends when it came time to pull together a coalition to handle North Korea and Iran.
At home, some aides suggested that Bush simply tell the nation to "go shopping." But the president knew he had a precious opportunity to ask Americans for real sacrifice. He took John McCain's suggestion and pushed through Congress an ambitious national-service program that bolstered communities and helped train citizens as first responders.
Soon Bush put the country on a Manhattan Project crash course to get off oil. He bluntly told Detroit that it was embarrassing that Chinese automakers had better fuel efficiency, he classified SUVs as cars, and he imposed a stiff gas tax with a rebate for the working poor. To pay for it, he abandoned his tax cuts for the wealthy, reminding the country that no president in history had ever cut taxes in the middle of a war. This president would be damned if he was going to put more oil money into the pockets of Middle Eastern hatemongers who had killed nearly 3,000 of our people. To dramatize the point, he drove to his 2002 State of the Union address in a hybrid car. Sales soared.
When Karl Rove suggested that the war on terror would make a perfect wedge issue against Democrats in the 2002 midterms, Bush brought him up short. Didn't Rove understand that bipartisanship is good politics? Lincoln and FDR had both gone bipartisan during wartime, he reminded his aide. So when evidence of torture at the prison camp in Guantánamo Bay surfaced and Rumsfeld was forced to resign, former Democratic senator Sam Nunn got the job. With post-9/11 unity still at least partially intact in 2004, Bush was re-elected in a landslide.
Taking a cue from Lincoln's impatience with his generals, Bush was merciless about poor performance on homeland security. When the head of the FBI couldn't fix the bureau's computers in a year's time to "connect the dots," he was out. And Bush had no patience for excuse-making about leaky port security, unsecured chemical plants and first responders whose radios didn't communicate. If someone had told him that five years after 9/11 these problems would still be unsolved, Bush would have laughed him out of the office.
In 2003, Vice President Cheney advised the president to take out Iraq's Saddam Hussein militarily. But Bush was beginning to understand that his veep, while sounding full of gravitas, was in fact reckless. When it became clear that Saddam posed no imminent threat, Bush resolved to neuter him, Kaddafi style. When the president found, after a little asking around, that the 10-year cost of invading Iraq would be a crushing $1.2 trillion, he opted out of this war of choice.
Five years after that awful September day, even Bush's fiercest critics have learned an important lesson: leadership counts. Imagine if we'd done the opposite of these things. This country—and the world—would be in a heap of trouble.
Open Letter
An open letter to all of those running for office in Maryland this November:
To Whom it May Concern:
If I see you standing on the side of the road waving at me during my morning commute - especially if you are standing on an exit ramp blocking the one part of my windshield I can actually see out of (as the glare of the rising sun and condensation have obstructed the rest of my view) - I will take down your name and make sure I check any box BUT yours on election day.
If you would like my attention and my vote, send me a letter and tell me why. Do not encourage me and other drivers to focus on your waving hand instead of exiting safely while fighting traffic, glare and random animals.
Thank you
To Whom it May Concern:
If I see you standing on the side of the road waving at me during my morning commute - especially if you are standing on an exit ramp blocking the one part of my windshield I can actually see out of (as the glare of the rising sun and condensation have obstructed the rest of my view) - I will take down your name and make sure I check any box BUT yours on election day.
If you would like my attention and my vote, send me a letter and tell me why. Do not encourage me and other drivers to focus on your waving hand instead of exiting safely while fighting traffic, glare and random animals.
Thank you
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Ok, me too...
Saw this in Heather's blog today, and so I'm shamelessly copying this Johari Window business:
http://kevan.org/johari?name=Baaaaaa
Check it out...read the directions and pick some words that you think describe me. Sorry, "bitch" isn't listed - you'll just have to get creative.
http://kevan.org/johari?name=Baaaaaa
Check it out...read the directions and pick some words that you think describe me. Sorry, "bitch" isn't listed - you'll just have to get creative.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Two months?
Sorry, dear readers (are you still there?!), I have been neglecting my "Dear Diary" duties. (haha! DUTY)
Before I get started, a special message for Amy and Heather: TRIM
Now, then. Over two months have passed, and boy have they been busy ones. If they weren't, I'd just be a lazy girl who hasn't posted, so yes..very very busy. In this time, we have:
(1) Received our official Permanent Residency Visas for New Zealand
(2) Hosted weekend guests on two separate weekends (and lived to tell about it, after shock therapy)
(3) Reconnected with an old friend I thought was lost to me
(4) Attended a wedding in West Virgina
(5) Got a quote from the movers to move all our crap overseas
(6) Finalized wedding plans - just 24 days now!
(7) Bought our one-way airline tickets to Wellington
And sure, work, working out...the regular stuff too. I've also continued to be pissed off about:
(1) Smokers
(2) SUVs
(3) The government
(4) People who hate or discriminate against homosexuals
Instead of updating you on all this stuff right now, I'm going to tell you about the very weird dream I had last night. So vivid and awesome, but strange:
It was around this time, if not closer to the wedding. I say that because there were a ton of people in the house, which would only happen if it was the day before the wedding. The dream started with me commuting home, as I do every evening, down Route 32. Traffic was slowing, so I looked around to see why. Low and behold, there were things all over the sky. As they came closer, I saw that they were angels carrying a child or another person, flying by slowly at tree level and higher. It really looked like people with costume angel wings, not that I've seen a real angel.
The site was a bit unnerving, and I had no idea what was going on, or if it was just happening here, or all over the country. I was almost home, so I waited to talk to Darren until I got there. As I mentioned, there were a bunch of people in the house (my brother/his wife, various other family members and friends), all talking about the angels. The news was portraying this as a sign the world was coming to an end, especially with all the current wars in the Middle East. Darren had his own theories, including a marketing stunt for a play opening in the area. He'd "seen it before". I told him I didn't see any planes or helicopters above the "angels" that could have explained how they were flying. We discussed calling friends all over the country to see if it was happening everywhere or just here (no result to that one).
In our true nature, Darren and I discussed calling the airlines and booking a flight to NZ that very night, in case the world was indeed ending. He pointed out we already had our visas and could leave at any time. What about the house, and the wedding? Well, if the world was ending, it really wouldn't matter, would it? And if it's not? Then we would take a week vacation and come back. It was a big gamble, and one that was not resolved by the time I woke up.
Very vivid (and entertaining) dream...I woke up thinking the decision of whether to leave now still had to be made.
*end dream*
More udpates to come!
Before I get started, a special message for Amy and Heather: TRIM
Now, then. Over two months have passed, and boy have they been busy ones. If they weren't, I'd just be a lazy girl who hasn't posted, so yes..very very busy. In this time, we have:
(1) Received our official Permanent Residency Visas for New Zealand
(2) Hosted weekend guests on two separate weekends (and lived to tell about it, after shock therapy)
(3) Reconnected with an old friend I thought was lost to me
(4) Attended a wedding in West Virgina
(5) Got a quote from the movers to move all our crap overseas
(6) Finalized wedding plans - just 24 days now!
(7) Bought our one-way airline tickets to Wellington
And sure, work, working out...the regular stuff too. I've also continued to be pissed off about:
(1) Smokers
(2) SUVs
(3) The government
(4) People who hate or discriminate against homosexuals
Instead of updating you on all this stuff right now, I'm going to tell you about the very weird dream I had last night. So vivid and awesome, but strange:
It was around this time, if not closer to the wedding. I say that because there were a ton of people in the house, which would only happen if it was the day before the wedding. The dream started with me commuting home, as I do every evening, down Route 32. Traffic was slowing, so I looked around to see why. Low and behold, there were things all over the sky. As they came closer, I saw that they were angels carrying a child or another person, flying by slowly at tree level and higher. It really looked like people with costume angel wings, not that I've seen a real angel.
The site was a bit unnerving, and I had no idea what was going on, or if it was just happening here, or all over the country. I was almost home, so I waited to talk to Darren until I got there. As I mentioned, there were a bunch of people in the house (my brother/his wife, various other family members and friends), all talking about the angels. The news was portraying this as a sign the world was coming to an end, especially with all the current wars in the Middle East. Darren had his own theories, including a marketing stunt for a play opening in the area. He'd "seen it before". I told him I didn't see any planes or helicopters above the "angels" that could have explained how they were flying. We discussed calling friends all over the country to see if it was happening everywhere or just here (no result to that one).
In our true nature, Darren and I discussed calling the airlines and booking a flight to NZ that very night, in case the world was indeed ending. He pointed out we already had our visas and could leave at any time. What about the house, and the wedding? Well, if the world was ending, it really wouldn't matter, would it? And if it's not? Then we would take a week vacation and come back. It was a big gamble, and one that was not resolved by the time I woke up.
Very vivid (and entertaining) dream...I woke up thinking the decision of whether to leave now still had to be made.
*end dream*
More udpates to come!
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Rant - and you know why
Wow, time has flown! It's been over two months since my last post. So much for keeping this as a sort of "diary".
Anyway, I'm writing today because of the president trying to increase his poll numbers by pandering to his conservative base. Nevermind all the other issues in the country right now - education, illegal wiretapping, the war in Iraq, the ever-increasing deficit - no, gay people getting married is what is ruining this country.
Seriously?
Because marriage historically has always done so well? The divorce rate must have been very low before we let "the gays" marry, right? Oh, yeah..hmm...nope. Divorce has been around 50% for a while. So..the divorce rate will increase if we let gay people marry? Or is it that straight people will decide marriage doesn't mean anything anymore, and will abandon marriages to "live in sin"? Because there is no place in this country where people are living together and having children out of wedlock. Sheesh - would really hate to see THAT happen.
Wait, wait..it is happening already?
Why is it that the Republican platform is for smaller government, yet Bush's administration has done nothing but further invade our privacy each year? Does their "base" notice? And why introduce an amendment to the Constitution - a document used to GRANT freedoms, each amendment furthering our freedom - that plans to discriminate and restrict freedom? The only other amendment that restricted freedom was the one barring alcohol consumption. That went really well, didn't it?
No one has yet to explain to me a logical reason why two women or two men cannot be married. An actual LEGAL rational argument. This issue is so clearly a smokescreen. I can only hope the general dissatisfaction with the current administration puts this shit to a halt.
I was watching the Daily Show last night, and John Stewart had some asshole on who was defending this amendment. He clearly has no understanding of reality. John, always my hero, said one of the best lines I have heard on this subject ever:
Guest: " It's a debate about whether you think marriage is between a man and a woman."
John S: " I disagree. It's a debate about whether you think gay people are part of the human condition or just a random fetish."
Awesome.
As I write this, I'm searching CNN for news of the Senate vote. I figured it would be front and center, since they have put the impending vote on the front page since Sunday. I couldn't find anything! So, I went instead to my trusted source - the New Zealand Herald. Sure enough, under International News, they have a headline "US Senate blocks same-sex marriage bill". Why do I have to read a NZ newpaper to get news on my own damn country? *sigh*
Back to the vote. The bill was defeated by 49 to 48 votes. Pretty close, unless you consider 60 was needed to pass the bill. The House still wants a crack at it next month, but it won't mean anything.
Off to bed for me. Be warned, though...this isn't the last time I will rant about this issue.
And yes, I will update on other matters soon.
Anyway, I'm writing today because of the president trying to increase his poll numbers by pandering to his conservative base. Nevermind all the other issues in the country right now - education, illegal wiretapping, the war in Iraq, the ever-increasing deficit - no, gay people getting married is what is ruining this country.
Seriously?
Because marriage historically has always done so well? The divorce rate must have been very low before we let "the gays" marry, right? Oh, yeah..hmm...nope. Divorce has been around 50% for a while. So..the divorce rate will increase if we let gay people marry? Or is it that straight people will decide marriage doesn't mean anything anymore, and will abandon marriages to "live in sin"? Because there is no place in this country where people are living together and having children out of wedlock. Sheesh - would really hate to see THAT happen.
Wait, wait..it is happening already?
Why is it that the Republican platform is for smaller government, yet Bush's administration has done nothing but further invade our privacy each year? Does their "base" notice? And why introduce an amendment to the Constitution - a document used to GRANT freedoms, each amendment furthering our freedom - that plans to discriminate and restrict freedom? The only other amendment that restricted freedom was the one barring alcohol consumption. That went really well, didn't it?
No one has yet to explain to me a logical reason why two women or two men cannot be married. An actual LEGAL rational argument. This issue is so clearly a smokescreen. I can only hope the general dissatisfaction with the current administration puts this shit to a halt.
I was watching the Daily Show last night, and John Stewart had some asshole on who was defending this amendment. He clearly has no understanding of reality. John, always my hero, said one of the best lines I have heard on this subject ever:
Guest: " It's a debate about whether you think marriage is between a man and a woman."
John S: " I disagree. It's a debate about whether you think gay people are part of the human condition or just a random fetish."
Awesome.
As I write this, I'm searching CNN for news of the Senate vote. I figured it would be front and center, since they have put the impending vote on the front page since Sunday. I couldn't find anything! So, I went instead to my trusted source - the New Zealand Herald. Sure enough, under International News, they have a headline "US Senate blocks same-sex marriage bill". Why do I have to read a NZ newpaper to get news on my own damn country? *sigh*
Back to the vote. The bill was defeated by 49 to 48 votes. Pretty close, unless you consider 60 was needed to pass the bill. The House still wants a crack at it next month, but it won't mean anything.
Off to bed for me. Be warned, though...this isn't the last time I will rant about this issue.
And yes, I will update on other matters soon.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Life is good
I'm feeling great today for so many reasons! Spring is here, and the trees are budding like mad. There are tons of white buds, and pink, and flowers are popping out everywhere! This weekend Daylight Savings Time begins. In general, I think DST is outdated, but I love having the extra hours of daylight. No more driving home in the dark!
In other good news, one of the firms I contacted in Wellington wants to schedule a phone interview soon! Squeee!! Hopefully I'll have an update next week...
And finally, Darren and I started the "Body for Life" www.bodyforlife.com program this week. Only three days in, I have an incredible amount of energy, and we are eating lots of yummy foods. The best part is working out together and eating together - it's fun to support each other. And being a type-A person, I really like the structure of the program! The program is 12 weeks, so I'll be updating our progress here and there.
Happy Spring!
In other good news, one of the firms I contacted in Wellington wants to schedule a phone interview soon! Squeee!! Hopefully I'll have an update next week...
And finally, Darren and I started the "Body for Life" www.bodyforlife.com program this week. Only three days in, I have an incredible amount of energy, and we are eating lots of yummy foods. The best part is working out together and eating together - it's fun to support each other. And being a type-A person, I really like the structure of the program! The program is 12 weeks, so I'll be updating our progress here and there.
Happy Spring!
Friday, March 03, 2006
Miscellany
Just some random thoughts:
1) Saw an article in Newsweek about DePaul University offering a new "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Queer Studies" minor. Which could be awesome or scary. DePaul is the nation's largest Roman Catholic university. So, depending on the instructors, the classes for the minor could bring enlightenment to several people or reinforce the Vatican's official teaching ("homosexuality is objectively disordered" - whatever the hell that means).
2) Also in Newsweek, I have noticed the distinct absence of cigarette ads. Towards the end of the 2005, I was determined to write a letter to Newsweek regarding the 5+ cigarette ads in every issue. How could they run article after article about how bad smoking is, as well as dedicate a special issue to health issues each year and fund the magazine with tobacco revenue? I never wrote the letter, because I'm inherently lazy. I am happy to see the ads are gone though. Maybe I'll write a letter thanking them....
3) This tool: clicky tailgated me the other day in a Hum-V. I shouldn't have been surprised, really, as I was really close to passing the employee entrance to a certain US secret agency, and their employees are notorious for tailgating. There is always a 'cop' car/truck across from the entrance, but I have a feeling they aren't there for traffic stuff. I am surprised that the employee can have a job on the side and post the info all over his vehicle, though. I almost sent an email saying "tailgating a bride isn't really the best way run a DJ business". But, eh, don't want this agency getting a hold of my IP address so easily.
4) No matter how hungry I am for pizza, I will not go to Dominos.
5) Just finished reading "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon. Loved it. The book is written from the point of view of an autistic teenager, and is a kind of mystery/adventure with some drama as well. Very easy read and quite moving.
Happy Friday!
1) Saw an article in Newsweek about DePaul University offering a new "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Queer Studies" minor. Which could be awesome or scary. DePaul is the nation's largest Roman Catholic university. So, depending on the instructors, the classes for the minor could bring enlightenment to several people or reinforce the Vatican's official teaching ("homosexuality is objectively disordered" - whatever the hell that means).
2) Also in Newsweek, I have noticed the distinct absence of cigarette ads. Towards the end of the 2005, I was determined to write a letter to Newsweek regarding the 5+ cigarette ads in every issue. How could they run article after article about how bad smoking is, as well as dedicate a special issue to health issues each year and fund the magazine with tobacco revenue? I never wrote the letter, because I'm inherently lazy. I am happy to see the ads are gone though. Maybe I'll write a letter thanking them....
3) This tool: clicky tailgated me the other day in a Hum-V. I shouldn't have been surprised, really, as I was really close to passing the employee entrance to a certain US secret agency, and their employees are notorious for tailgating. There is always a 'cop' car/truck across from the entrance, but I have a feeling they aren't there for traffic stuff. I am surprised that the employee can have a job on the side and post the info all over his vehicle, though. I almost sent an email saying "tailgating a bride isn't really the best way run a DJ business". But, eh, don't want this agency getting a hold of my IP address so easily.
4) No matter how hungry I am for pizza, I will not go to Dominos.
5) Just finished reading "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon. Loved it. The book is written from the point of view of an autistic teenager, and is a kind of mystery/adventure with some drama as well. Very easy read and quite moving.
Happy Friday!
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Rejection
Now that I'm engaged, I thought my days of rejection were over. I mean, seriously, in what situation (outside of a job search) would I be personally rejected? Well, my own father stepped up to the challenge a couple of nights ago and decided that having a relationship with me wasn't worth his effort.
This is probably the most personal blog I have written. However, as you'll see from his email, yes email, it's all very impersonal. Granted, I was quite hurt when I read his 'letter' and cried on D's shoulder a bit, but now I see the irony in receiving a "Dear John" letter from a man named John (nickname "Skip").
I tried to reach out to my father with a two page letter at Christmas-time. We had a falling out several years ago (I asked too many questions about his allowing my abusive step-father to legally adopt me) and had just stopped talking. My Aunt - his sister - told me that he had been asking about me, and encouraged me to write to him. I thought it would be nice to catch up, and maybe he could even come to my wedding. I'm not into the whole 'giving away' business, but having him there would have been nice.
And now, the email:
Dear Dawn,
I received your card and note several weeks ago. It is really good to hear about your upcoming wedding and plans for the future. I would like to wish you a lifetime of success and happiness.
As you know I sold my house and moved to Southbury. (http://www.heritagevillagect.org) I have a “Country House” and am quite satisfied with it.
I have been agonizing over this response to your letter for some time now. After much soul searching, I have decided that we have nothing left in common that could serve as a basis for a relationship. It is difficult enough to bridge such a generation gap without unspoken resentments and mistrust clouding the issue. My misreading of the situation created far too much stress and agitation on my part. I was never known as “Thick Skinned “and must admit I was very hurt by your anger. I expected it when I allowed your mother to take you. I don’t know why I thought things were OK.
I apologize for everything that I did that caused you unhappiness over the years. I think my presence would only exacerbate the feelings of betrayal and just cause more problems for both of us. Better to leave things as they are.
Love,
Skip
*Love* indeed.
This is probably the most personal blog I have written. However, as you'll see from his email, yes email, it's all very impersonal. Granted, I was quite hurt when I read his 'letter' and cried on D's shoulder a bit, but now I see the irony in receiving a "Dear John" letter from a man named John (nickname "Skip").
I tried to reach out to my father with a two page letter at Christmas-time. We had a falling out several years ago (I asked too many questions about his allowing my abusive step-father to legally adopt me) and had just stopped talking. My Aunt - his sister - told me that he had been asking about me, and encouraged me to write to him. I thought it would be nice to catch up, and maybe he could even come to my wedding. I'm not into the whole 'giving away' business, but having him there would have been nice.
And now, the email:
Dear Dawn,
I received your card and note several weeks ago. It is really good to hear about your upcoming wedding and plans for the future. I would like to wish you a lifetime of success and happiness.
As you know I sold my house and moved to Southbury. (http://www.heritagevillagect.org) I have a “Country House” and am quite satisfied with it.
I have been agonizing over this response to your letter for some time now. After much soul searching, I have decided that we have nothing left in common that could serve as a basis for a relationship. It is difficult enough to bridge such a generation gap without unspoken resentments and mistrust clouding the issue. My misreading of the situation created far too much stress and agitation on my part. I was never known as “Thick Skinned “and must admit I was very hurt by your anger. I expected it when I allowed your mother to take you. I don’t know why I thought things were OK.
I apologize for everything that I did that caused you unhappiness over the years. I think my presence would only exacerbate the feelings of betrayal and just cause more problems for both of us. Better to leave things as they are.
Love,
Skip
*Love* indeed.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Rant #3 OOPS (otherwise known as UPS)
I think this is only Rant #3, which, if you know me personally, is quite remarkable. In any case, today's "rant" is brought to you by the incredibly horrible package delivery company UPS. I've actually gone so far as to not order products from companies who ship via UPS becuase UPS sucks SO MUCH ASS.
In this case, Amazon shocked me. They had previously mailed the book I ordered via the US Post Office. However, they had shipped the wrong book (first time ever), and shipped out a replacement very quickly. Well, they sent it quickly; they just happened to send it UPS.
UPS always delivers packages during the day when no one is at home. And they always - always - require a signature upon delivery. No, I can't just sign the slip and put it on my door. Darren and I thought we learned how to beat the system by going on-line and redirecting our packages to his office. This hasn't worked for the last two shipments,however:
1) We ordered an item from a company affiliated with Amazon. Unbeknownst to us, the company shipped our item UPS. When I came home and saw the slip, I immediately called the 800 number and requested the package to be held at the (barely) nearby processing center because I was off work the next day. I knew it was a long-shot because it was after 7 pm. I only know this magical cut-off time from experience - no where in the telephone system does it mention that any delivery changes after 7 pm will be completely ignored. Instead, the system tells you all is well!
The next day, I went out of my way to the processing center. Of course my package wasn't there! The driver was trying to deliver it to my house at that very moment. Why? Well, I called after 7 pm; my request had been canceled. OF COURSE.
I went home and found the dreaded "2nd delivery attempt" slip and called the 800 number again. I had the package redirected to Darren's office. I win! No, wait...no I don't. UPS finally got the message to hold my package at the processing center, so they canceled the redirection request. Mmmmhmmm...ok. One more try - and it was finally delivered. What a fucking hassle!!
2) So, yesterday, after learning that we had received the dreaded "delivery attempt" slip of doom, I went on-line to the UPS site way before 7pm. In fact, it was around 4 pm. I requested the package to be delivered to Darren's office instead, and was quite proud of myself. I win!!
No, no I don't. Why? Um...well...the info is in the computer. So? The delivery center "just didn't get the information".
Right.
I'm sure they will get it right tomorrow.
In this case, Amazon shocked me. They had previously mailed the book I ordered via the US Post Office. However, they had shipped the wrong book (first time ever), and shipped out a replacement very quickly. Well, they sent it quickly; they just happened to send it UPS.
UPS always delivers packages during the day when no one is at home. And they always - always - require a signature upon delivery. No, I can't just sign the slip and put it on my door. Darren and I thought we learned how to beat the system by going on-line and redirecting our packages to his office. This hasn't worked for the last two shipments,however:
1) We ordered an item from a company affiliated with Amazon. Unbeknownst to us, the company shipped our item UPS. When I came home and saw the slip, I immediately called the 800 number and requested the package to be held at the (barely) nearby processing center because I was off work the next day. I knew it was a long-shot because it was after 7 pm. I only know this magical cut-off time from experience - no where in the telephone system does it mention that any delivery changes after 7 pm will be completely ignored. Instead, the system tells you all is well!
The next day, I went out of my way to the processing center. Of course my package wasn't there! The driver was trying to deliver it to my house at that very moment. Why? Well, I called after 7 pm; my request had been canceled. OF COURSE.
I went home and found the dreaded "2nd delivery attempt" slip and called the 800 number again. I had the package redirected to Darren's office. I win! No, wait...no I don't. UPS finally got the message to hold my package at the processing center, so they canceled the redirection request. Mmmmhmmm...ok. One more try - and it was finally delivered. What a fucking hassle!!
2) So, yesterday, after learning that we had received the dreaded "delivery attempt" slip of doom, I went on-line to the UPS site way before 7pm. In fact, it was around 4 pm. I requested the package to be delivered to Darren's office instead, and was quite proud of myself. I win!!
No, no I don't. Why? Um...well...the info is in the computer. So? The delivery center "just didn't get the information".
Right.
I'm sure they will get it right tomorrow.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Thursday, February 02, 2006
"Smoke and Mirrors; State of the BS"
At least that's what the morning show I listen to called it. Personally, I made it through a total of 5 minutes. I heard "freedom" six times in 3 minutes, and was done.
For a more entertaining take on the State of the Union, check out Heather's bio.
For a more entertaining take on the State of the Union, check out Heather's bio.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Happy Birthday Darrel!
Although I'm fairly certain Darrel doesn't read this blog, I want to wish him a Happy Birthday. Darrel is my good friend in New Zealand whom I met when he lived in this area for a few years. We met randomly, but he made a great impact on my life. Not only was he one of the best guy friends I've ever had, but clearly he has influenced where I (and Darren) want to live.
Before I visited Wellington, I had no idea why Darrel wanted to leave here and go back home to a place so far away (so far from everything). He had seen me through some tough times (read: dating horrors), and I selfishly wanted him to stay. We IM'd quite a bit, and I actually saved one of the 'conversations' we had right before he left. I saved it as inspiration; Darrel was so sure that I would meet a great guy. Better than that, he was certain that I deserved someone who would be good to me - something I didn't always believe. My favorite line from that conversation is: "basically, everyone sucks except you and you deserve an equally awesome man". It was one of the nicest things a friend had ever said to me (don't know why it means more coming from a guy friend, but it did).
While Darrel moved shortly after that, I kept those words in my head. It took me a while, but I found my 'equally awesome man'. So, thanks, Darrel, for the confidence and support. And now that I've seen New Zealand - and Wellington - I get why you wanted to go back. And Happy Birthday, sweetie. You deserve all things that are good.
d
Three Things
Ok, so I wasn't "tagged", but Heather suggested in her blog that we all should list 'three things you may not know about me'. Those who know me well probably know this stuff, but it's still fun!
1) I didn't learn how to ride a 2 wheel bicycle until I was 12. Yes, that's right - 12. I had training wheels up until then! Several people tried unsuccessfully to teach me, including my step-father's ex-wife. Granted, she tried to teach me on a cement sidewalk (it didn't go well). I finally learned to ride my bicycle on the slight grassy hill in our back yard at the instruction of my brother Robert.
2) I only eat bread if it's toasted. I never got into the white bread sandwich thing as a child, as my poor brother Kevin discovered. He is 10 years older, so my parents often tasked him with being my babysitter. Every sandwich had to be on toasted bread or I wouldn't touch it. I had no idea how much this scarred him until I was at his house a few months ago - he asked if I wanted a sandwich, and of course I said "yes! On toast, please." - he rolled his eyes and yelled "TOAST! Always with the damn toast!". Ironically, I bought him a toaster (at his request) for Christmas a few years ago.
3) When I was very young (say, around 3 or 4), I refused to wear pants because "princesses don't wear pants". Instead, I insisted on wearing dresses - long dresses - every day. Even to go out in the yard and play. Needless to say, I tripped a lot, but still. I was a princess. My mother would on occasion hold me down and forcibly put pants on me under my dress just in case I fell (again).
1) I didn't learn how to ride a 2 wheel bicycle until I was 12. Yes, that's right - 12. I had training wheels up until then! Several people tried unsuccessfully to teach me, including my step-father's ex-wife. Granted, she tried to teach me on a cement sidewalk (it didn't go well). I finally learned to ride my bicycle on the slight grassy hill in our back yard at the instruction of my brother Robert.
2) I only eat bread if it's toasted. I never got into the white bread sandwich thing as a child, as my poor brother Kevin discovered. He is 10 years older, so my parents often tasked him with being my babysitter. Every sandwich had to be on toasted bread or I wouldn't touch it. I had no idea how much this scarred him until I was at his house a few months ago - he asked if I wanted a sandwich, and of course I said "yes! On toast, please." - he rolled his eyes and yelled "TOAST! Always with the damn toast!". Ironically, I bought him a toaster (at his request) for Christmas a few years ago.
3) When I was very young (say, around 3 or 4), I refused to wear pants because "princesses don't wear pants". Instead, I insisted on wearing dresses - long dresses - every day. Even to go out in the yard and play. Needless to say, I tripped a lot, but still. I was a princess. My mother would on occasion hold me down and forcibly put pants on me under my dress just in case I fell (again).
Monday, January 16, 2006
"Decision Successful"
After a nice long weekend, I was dreading going back to work, so I checked my email. Nothing from NZ Immigration. Just in case...I checked the NZ Immigration website itself. After logging in, I quickly looked at our EOI status - and there were the words I'd been waiting for: "Decision Successful". After 3 weeks of seeing "Selected" day after day, I couldn't believe it! Just to make sure, we clicked on those sweet words, and here was the explanation:
Congratulations.
We are very pleased to confirm that your Expression of Interest has been successful.
You will shortly receive a letter inviting you to lodge an Application for Residence. The letter will contain information to help you complete your Application for Residence.
Now comes all the work! We have to gather evidence of our 'partnership' (as we are not yet married), our prior jobs and then get complete physicals. I understand the letter we will receive has a huge checklist of things we need to do and documents we need to gather. GAH! And SQUEEEE! :)
And yes, Heather and Amy, you can write a letter in protest. To get it to the right people, just give it to Darren or me and we'll make sure it's included in our Application package. Promise. Mmhmmm.
Congratulations.
We are very pleased to confirm that your Expression of Interest has been successful.
You will shortly receive a letter inviting you to lodge an Application for Residence. The letter will contain information to help you complete your Application for Residence.
Now comes all the work! We have to gather evidence of our 'partnership' (as we are not yet married), our prior jobs and then get complete physicals. I understand the letter we will receive has a huge checklist of things we need to do and documents we need to gather. GAH! And SQUEEEE! :)
And yes, Heather and Amy, you can write a letter in protest. To get it to the right people, just give it to Darren or me and we'll make sure it's included in our Application package. Promise. Mmhmmm.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Hiccup
So, as you know from our post below, we were selected from the New Zealand EOI pool on December 21st. That day just happened to also be the day the NZ Immigration Authority changed all the rules! Instead of only needing 100 points to qualify for the pool, an applicant now requires 140 points, which can only be reached by having a job offer first. The good news is that if an applicant has 140 points or more, they automatically receive an Invitation to Apply for Residency (ITA).
What about those of us who were picked on the 21st? Well, theoretically, we fall under the "old" rules. But not really. The Immigration website was confusing and had contradictory statements. Although applicants selected from the pool on that day were under the old rules technically, if they had 100 or 105 points, their applications were automatically put back into the pool. To be nice, the Immigration Authority extended the length of time to be in the pool to 6 months (from 3). If an applicant needed to reapply, they could do without paying the fee again. The next selection date won't be until Feb 1st.
Ok. That sucks. But...wait a minute...we had 110 points. Nothing on the website addressed those Selected who had more than the 100 or 105 points mentioned above. So, I called! They were less than helpful and couldn't tell me how the new rules would affect me.
I received this email RIGHT after I hung up:
CHANGES TO THE SKILLED MIGRANT CATEGORY
Dear Dawn
You should have recently received a letter from the New Zealand Immigration Service advising that your Expression of Interest (EOI) has been selected from the Pool for consideration.
You may be aware that the New Zealand Government recently announced changes to the selection process under the Skilled Migrant Category. We are writing to inform you that these changes will not affect the preliminary checks of the information you provided in your EOI. Your EOI will continue to be checked on the basis of your selection from the Pool.
If you are invited to apply for residence and you subsequently submit an application for residence, your application, once received, will also be assessed on the basis on which you were selected from the Pool.
More information on the Expression of Interest process and living in New Zealand is available on our website at www.immigration.govt.nz. Alternatively please feel free to call the National Contact Centre on 0508 558 855 (within New Zealand) or contact your nearest branch of the Immigration Service.
All the best with your Expression of Interest.
Kind regards,
Pool Management Team
New Zealand Immigration Service
We are still in the running! It has now been two weeks...we hope our status will change to "Successful" in the next month. If so, it will mean that we have received an ITA.
What about those of us who were picked on the 21st? Well, theoretically, we fall under the "old" rules. But not really. The Immigration website was confusing and had contradictory statements. Although applicants selected from the pool on that day were under the old rules technically, if they had 100 or 105 points, their applications were automatically put back into the pool. To be nice, the Immigration Authority extended the length of time to be in the pool to 6 months (from 3). If an applicant needed to reapply, they could do without paying the fee again. The next selection date won't be until Feb 1st.
Ok. That sucks. But...wait a minute...we had 110 points. Nothing on the website addressed those Selected who had more than the 100 or 105 points mentioned above. So, I called! They were less than helpful and couldn't tell me how the new rules would affect me.
I received this email RIGHT after I hung up:
CHANGES TO THE SKILLED MIGRANT CATEGORY
Dear Dawn
You should have recently received a letter from the New Zealand Immigration Service advising that your Expression of Interest (EOI) has been selected from the Pool for consideration.
You may be aware that the New Zealand Government recently announced changes to the selection process under the Skilled Migrant Category. We are writing to inform you that these changes will not affect the preliminary checks of the information you provided in your EOI. Your EOI will continue to be checked on the basis of your selection from the Pool.
If you are invited to apply for residence and you subsequently submit an application for residence, your application, once received, will also be assessed on the basis on which you were selected from the Pool.
More information on the Expression of Interest process and living in New Zealand is available on our website at www.immigration.govt.nz. Alternatively please feel free to call the National Contact Centre on 0508 558 855 (within New Zealand) or contact your nearest branch of the Immigration Service.
All the best with your Expression of Interest.
Kind regards,
Pool Management Team
New Zealand Immigration Service
We are still in the running! It has now been two weeks...we hope our status will change to "Successful" in the next month. If so, it will mean that we have received an ITA.
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