Nico is furiously working on his car tonight. He's supposed to leave for Iowa tomorrow for an SCCA race. If he has to take my car, I may be stuck at home all weekend.
He had it running Wednesday night. He was so confident in his work that he drove it to Firestone yesterday morning (all the way to Joplin). It did well on the way there, but it died coming home. He was able to get it home, but the fuel pump is all clogged up with yucky gas. Hopefully, He’ll get it all squared away tonight.
Last night I found out that I did NOT get the Women’s Studies Instructor position that I applied for. I am more than a little disappointed but I understand their reasoning (had to pull from pool established before last semester ended).
I am still scheduled to take 6 hours of Graduate classes in the fall. I’m looking forward to them, but know that between that and work, I will be uber busy.
Speaking of work, the new job is “okay”. I’m trying to stay positive, but I got a little frustrated today. I really hope that I’m able to put all the pieces together soon. Like I told Nico, not only do I want it to be a good fit for me, I want to be a good fit for them.
With the summer I’ve had, I’m forcing myself to go to church on Sunday. I don’t want God to forget about me. :)
More later…
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Update on my Dad
My dad's doing well. On Friday he had a massive heart attack. I booked a flight Friday night and was in Kentucky by Saturday night. His aortic artery was 100% blocked, and his symptoms were not "normal" heart attack symptoms so he didn't seek medical attention right away. He was within twenty minutes of dying.
My dad is extremely lucky for so many reasons. It seemed as if God had orchestrated everything. My step-sister who just passed her EMT training rushed to the house and started taking his vitals. She then called my other step-sister who works for two cardiologists. Between the two of them, they saved his life. He had to have numerous things done to him including a helium balloon that pumped his heart, a temporary pacemaker and 4 stints in the one artery. He’s lucky the young cardiologist tried this aggressive procedure before opening him up. Because he avoided getting open heart surgery, he’ll not only be recovering faster, he’s likely to live longer.
I flew back yesterday, arriving at 9:00 p.m. We didn’t get back to Pittsburg until 11:30. Needless to say, I was pretty exhausted when I went to work this morning.
As of my phone call with him tonight, he is doing well. He is home and resting (but reluctantly). He's going to have to stop smoking and that really frightens him.
-G
My dad is extremely lucky for so many reasons. It seemed as if God had orchestrated everything. My step-sister who just passed her EMT training rushed to the house and started taking his vitals. She then called my other step-sister who works for two cardiologists. Between the two of them, they saved his life. He had to have numerous things done to him including a helium balloon that pumped his heart, a temporary pacemaker and 4 stints in the one artery. He’s lucky the young cardiologist tried this aggressive procedure before opening him up. Because he avoided getting open heart surgery, he’ll not only be recovering faster, he’s likely to live longer.
I flew back yesterday, arriving at 9:00 p.m. We didn’t get back to Pittsburg until 11:30. Needless to say, I was pretty exhausted when I went to work this morning.
As of my phone call with him tonight, he is doing well. He is home and resting (but reluctantly). He's going to have to stop smoking and that really frightens him.
-G
Friday, July 20, 2007
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Screenprinting and carpooling
I had a good day at work today. I am still not sure what I’ll be doing as I spent most of my day in Screen Printing. I never would have believed how complicated some of the images/processes can be. All-in-all, towards the end of the day I felt like I had a good understanding of the basic concepts of the department. Tomorrow I "visit" with another department: Sewing.
Carpooling is not fun. Even though I had a good day, Nico got stuck in traffic on his way from Joplin to Pittsburg and was almost 40 minutes late picking me up. I’m glad I packed a novel in my lunch bag.
It must be locust season, because the dogs have caught (and eaten) more locust in the past few days than ever before. They have also come across several toads… that is hilarious. They make them foam at the mouth and I’ve heard that they can be hallucinogenic for dogs. Great, my dogs are tripping.
Carpooling is not fun. Even though I had a good day, Nico got stuck in traffic on his way from Joplin to Pittsburg and was almost 40 minutes late picking me up. I’m glad I packed a novel in my lunch bag.
It must be locust season, because the dogs have caught (and eaten) more locust in the past few days than ever before. They have also come across several toads… that is hilarious. They make them foam at the mouth and I’ve heard that they can be hallucinogenic for dogs. Great, my dogs are tripping.
Monday, July 16, 2007
First day on the job
Today was REALLY long. I got up at 5:30 so that I could be at the Occupational Health Center at the hospital when they opened. I called on Friday and I thought they said they opened at 7:00 a.m. I told my *new* boss that I would get my drug test and be at work by 8:00. Well, Occupational Health doesn’t open until 8:00 and with us sharing a car, it became a major chore to get us both to work.
Nico picked me up at 5:00 p.m. after a long hot day in the factory. They’re showing me the ropes by having me work in the different departments for my first couple of days. If you know me, you know that I have NEVER done manual labor before. Sufficed to say, I am exhausted. When Nico picked me up it was pretty clear that we both had rough days.
The doggies were so happy to see us when we got home. They were in full-on freak out since no one had been home with them all day. I will admit, I seriously missed my “cuddle time” this morning.
Well, I gotta go. We just finished cooking and eating dinner and now we’re going to sit on our butts for a while. Hopefully, I post more about the new job tomorrow.
Nico picked me up at 5:00 p.m. after a long hot day in the factory. They’re showing me the ropes by having me work in the different departments for my first couple of days. If you know me, you know that I have NEVER done manual labor before. Sufficed to say, I am exhausted. When Nico picked me up it was pretty clear that we both had rough days.
The doggies were so happy to see us when we got home. They were in full-on freak out since no one had been home with them all day. I will admit, I seriously missed my “cuddle time” this morning.
Well, I gotta go. We just finished cooking and eating dinner and now we’re going to sit on our butts for a while. Hopefully, I post more about the new job tomorrow.
Off to Work
We worked on Audis all day yesterday. :( Unfortunately, We didn’t get them going.
But that's okay 'cause I’m headed to my new job. We’re just going to carpool these first few days.
But that's okay 'cause I’m headed to my new job. We’re just going to carpool these first few days.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Reflections on Friday the 13th
Yesterday was especially “far-out.” I guess Friday the 13th had both good things and bad things to offer.
This week I’ve been working on my SSLS 888 final assignment. I was about ¼ of the way done when yesterday morning I decided to review the specific instructions. What I realized was that I had completely done the wrong things. I was researching and writing about topics that the instructor did not want in the assignment. Basically, I had to scrap almost everything and book it to the Library for more research materials. I stayed up until 2:00 a.m. working on it. Then I got up this morning and finally finished it around 2:00 p.m. Whew, at least it’s finally done and the course is over.
While I was working on my paper, I got a phone call from the company I interviewed with and they wanted to offer me the job. I decided to take it. I start Monday (right after my drug test). Yay, employment!
This week I’ve been working on my SSLS 888 final assignment. I was about ¼ of the way done when yesterday morning I decided to review the specific instructions. What I realized was that I had completely done the wrong things. I was researching and writing about topics that the instructor did not want in the assignment. Basically, I had to scrap almost everything and book it to the Library for more research materials. I stayed up until 2:00 a.m. working on it. Then I got up this morning and finally finished it around 2:00 p.m. Whew, at least it’s finally done and the course is over.
While I was working on my paper, I got a phone call from the company I interviewed with and they wanted to offer me the job. I decided to take it. I start Monday (right after my drug test). Yay, employment!
At about 10:00, I got up from my paper to grab a snack and noticed this little guy on the wall. He's a Brown Recluse and he totally freaked me out. I snapped this picture before I smooshed his hairy ass! I was creeped out for the rest of the night.
Nico didn't have a good day yesterday. He had major issues with the crown molding in the bathroom. He got the bathroom cleaned, the lights put up, and the outlet covers on before the crown molding retaliated.
The really bad part of his day happened last night. Nico’s truck got smashed while he was visiting a friend. He was not in the car, so he didn’t get hurt. He didn’t even see who hit him. He was able to drive it home, but it’s pretty much totaled. Okay, let’s be honest, the truck was on its last leg. But he really, really loved it and is heartbroken about its condition.
Maybe he should start working harder for that Yaris. :)
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Interviews, Pet Nutrition and Yaris
Well this has been an exciting week. I had my job interview on Tuesday with a local manufacturer. They immediately asked me for a second interview. I did that yesterday, but haven’t heard from the company yet.
I’ve been working on my final project for SSLS 888 and investigating animal nutrition. I’m working with a really nice lady (Holly) from Holistic Hounds. We’re thinking that Ginsberg’s “grass allergy” might actually be an allergy to corn, which is in so many of the conventional kibble brands.
Other than the allergy, my main concern is that they are getting a bunch of chemicals and junk they don’t need. I mean, we try to eat as much organic and/or natural foods as we can afford, why wouldn’t I want the same for my animals?
Holly has suggested a regime for each animal that is not too expensive and that optimizes their health/longevity. I don’t think that it’s going to be any more expensive than what we have been feeding them. Yay, green dogs!
Nico’s now obsessed with the Toyota Yaris. He went with our friend Jim to buy one on Tuesday and now it’s all he can talk about. He’s even offered to get rid of two (non-functional?) Audis in exchange for a nice new Yaris liftback. I told him that we can’t consider getting any more cars until one of us has a full-time job and I have a new master bedroom and bath. I was hoping that would motivate him to finish my bathroom, but I’m thinking it probably won’t.
Speaking of the bathroom, all of the paint is up. The ceiling is all textured (sand, not popcorn) and now we are ready to install the shower and tile the floor. I can see an end in sight!!!
I’ve been working on my final project for SSLS 888 and investigating animal nutrition. I’m working with a really nice lady (Holly) from Holistic Hounds. We’re thinking that Ginsberg’s “grass allergy” might actually be an allergy to corn, which is in so many of the conventional kibble brands.
Other than the allergy, my main concern is that they are getting a bunch of chemicals and junk they don’t need. I mean, we try to eat as much organic and/or natural foods as we can afford, why wouldn’t I want the same for my animals?
Holly has suggested a regime for each animal that is not too expensive and that optimizes their health/longevity. I don’t think that it’s going to be any more expensive than what we have been feeding them. Yay, green dogs!
Nico’s now obsessed with the Toyota Yaris. He went with our friend Jim to buy one on Tuesday and now it’s all he can talk about. He’s even offered to get rid of two (non-functional?) Audis in exchange for a nice new Yaris liftback. I told him that we can’t consider getting any more cars until one of us has a full-time job and I have a new master bedroom and bath. I was hoping that would motivate him to finish my bathroom, but I’m thinking it probably won’t.
Speaking of the bathroom, all of the paint is up. The ceiling is all textured (sand, not popcorn) and now we are ready to install the shower and tile the floor. I can see an end in sight!!!
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Funeral and home again
Yesterday was Grandma Ruark's funeral. It was a nice funeral, but very hard to see my brother and sister so torn up. I returned home from the funeral last night absolutely exhausted.
This morning, Nico left for work around 7:30 and I promptly started in on the bathroom. In between spackling and sanding I’ve been job hunting.
Actually, I thought that the spackling was all completed, especially since we had put on a layer of Kilz primer. However, when I came home yesterday, I found that Nico had been filling small holes with large amounts of spackle. Sometimes he just needs to accept thing as “good enough” and not fret over the tiniest details.
My job hunting energy is renewed because I have an interview lined up for Tuesday afternoon. It is for a position I applied for over a month ago. I’m hoping that the position is promising. If not, I’ve inquired about another position and am considering applying for yet another. This is the first time all summer I’ve felt is if I might have options.
The good news is that we are starting to dry up. It’s as if the monsoon season is over. The bad news is heat has replaced the monsoon!
This morning, Nico left for work around 7:30 and I promptly started in on the bathroom. In between spackling and sanding I’ve been job hunting.
Actually, I thought that the spackling was all completed, especially since we had put on a layer of Kilz primer. However, when I came home yesterday, I found that Nico had been filling small holes with large amounts of spackle. Sometimes he just needs to accept thing as “good enough” and not fret over the tiniest details.
My job hunting energy is renewed because I have an interview lined up for Tuesday afternoon. It is for a position I applied for over a month ago. I’m hoping that the position is promising. If not, I’ve inquired about another position and am considering applying for yet another. This is the first time all summer I’ve felt is if I might have options.
The good news is that we are starting to dry up. It’s as if the monsoon season is over. The bad news is heat has replaced the monsoon!
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Another loss
My step-father called us an hour ago and told us that his mother passed away. Jenna is pretty upset. We are staying here for tonight, but Mom should call us in the morning and tell us when she wants us home. I’m not sure if Nico will be able to get off work for the funeral and that would be a real shame.
Jenna and I had been having a good time. We were planning on going to a cookout for the 4th and then later this week going to Eureka Springs. We’ll have to do these things some other time.
This has not been an easy summer. I lost one step-grandma right before Father’s Day and now another one before the 4th of July. I hope that their souls find peace and serenity.
Jenna and I had been having a good time. We were planning on going to a cookout for the 4th and then later this week going to Eureka Springs. We’ll have to do these things some other time.
This has not been an easy summer. I lost one step-grandma right before Father’s Day and now another one before the 4th of July. I hope that their souls find peace and serenity.
Boring the kid...
Today is the first day that it has not rained on Jenna and me. Every time we try to plan something, the monsoon comes. We have watched a ton of movies. We have big plans for craft projects tomorrow. Jenna wants to make patchwork hobo bags and I’m all for getting our creative juices flowing.
Maybe I’ll snatch some crafty photos tomorrow!
I’m trying to wrap up my SSLS 888 class. My final project is due at the end of next week. Nico’s been working on the bathroom and devoting all of his other time to Firestone. He did surprise me with new tires. Yay employee discount!
Noteworthy websites: Doggy Quilts and Global Girlfriends
Maybe I’ll snatch some crafty photos tomorrow!
I’m trying to wrap up my SSLS 888 class. My final project is due at the end of next week. Nico’s been working on the bathroom and devoting all of his other time to Firestone. He did surprise me with new tires. Yay employee discount!
Noteworthy websites: Doggy Quilts and Global Girlfriends
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