Life Thus Far

I am now a New Mexican.  Once I get my drivers license in the mail I can prove it to you.  Everything is just great here.   And I’m not really joking.  Here are some ABC’s on my new life

A – So when I visited in April I thought ALBUQUERQUE consisted of Central Avenue, and that’s all.  When Julie and I went to every thrift store and garage sale in the city we learned that it is much bigger, but for the most part everything I need is very close to where I live.  This week I only drove 50 miles total, that is about what I was driving every day in my other life.

B – To get to school I’ve been taking the public BUS.  It is free for students and I’ve gotten to talk to all sorts of people.   Usually the seats next to the more questionable characters are empty so I sit there and have had some great conversations/counseling sessions.   On Monday I thought I would try my luck on the #5 bus and see if it took me close to where I live.  It didn’t take me very close at all but an hour and a half later I made it home.

C – I’ve gone running with my roommate twice and only ran into a CACTUS once.  She pulled out the spike for me but it still itches some.

D – At one of those Albuquerque garage sales I got a really nice DRESSER, and the old owners were from Concord, small world.  I have most of my furniture now and my house in general is very homey.

E – Since I’m here for an EDUCATION I guess I should mention that.  I started school last Monday and now have had all four of my classes.  We have to do a lot of group projects so that should be interesting.  So far school is way less time consuming than working full time but that might change eventually, as of now I feel like I’m on vacation.

F – I should probably make some FRIENDS. I know a few people and my roommates are great but probably riding the bus isn’t the best way to fulfill my need for social interaction.

G – This morning I went to church at a place called GARFIELD GOSPEL HALL (can you guess the denomination?)  Anyways it was nice and I met lots of old men.  My favorite was George, he gave me his information on a paper from his nursing home that also lists his allergies.  I’m a little confused because under likes it says “lemons and tangerines” but he is allergic to citrus.  Rough life.  I also met Robert(?) and his niece Daisy, she’s 65 so he’s no young chicken.

H- HOW are you?

here comes adventure

I’m moving on Wednesday.  I have today and tomorrow to pack and am not thrilled about the prospect.  Additionally I have a cold, I took Nyquil last night at 6:50 and slept for over 12 hours.  Since I am currently avoiding packing I will tell you what other stuff I have been doing.

2 weekends ago I went to a Giants game with Jenn.  They won so that was exciting.   

This weekend was Katie Rystom’s wedding extravaganza.  I should attach a picture from that but I didn’t take any and am relying on others to send them out eventually. It was great getting to see my college roommates, I don’t remember the last time I’ve laughed that consistently.  There aren’t too many people who think it is a great idea to make nun habits out of plastic garbage bags and wear them in public while singing personalized renditions of Sound of Music songs.

Last Wednesday I finished my career as Dowd and Guild’s ambassador of goodwill.  So far I’ve decided retired life is quite lovely.  Except for the paycheck factor.  Once I get settled in Albuquerque I’ll be looking for a job.

Here are some fun facts about my upcoming move:

I’m moving to Albuquerque to get my MBA at UNM.

It is a 2 year program and I start next Monday.

I’m going to live in a 3 bedroom duplex with 2 other girls, I’ll meet them on Thursday.

I got a bed on Craigslist, $50 including delivery.  Some might think that is sketchy but I think it is a provision from God.  Everything else either is fitting in my car or I’ll be buying it when I get there.

I’m leaving bright and early Wednesday with my loaded up Honda and my sister Julie (sans children).

I have a new address let me know if you want it and then you can mail me something. Maybe you’ll get some New Mexican artwork in return.

Happy Birthday America!

It has been quite long enough since I've over-informed you of my life so I'd thought I'd give you another thing to celebrate this 4th of July.

Work:
I'm still working full time and today is a paid holiday, so was paid for the nap I just took.  I'm planning on working until August 10th or 11th, that will be my 2 year mark. Crazy how time flies.  I hosted a big event a few weekends ago, it went really well until my boss and I debriefed and I discovered we were on completely different pages.  He apologized, paid me more money, and promised not to volunteer me to drive strange men to the BART station again. It worked out fine but some people are a little too honest about their criminal records.  And needs for a wife.

Even after 2 years I am still completely fascinated by my coworkers.  Last week I decided to clean out the common fridge to make space for our 4th of July potluck food.  I found plenty of expired food and then, in the freezer, a pork shoulder, a pork loin and a steak all purchased in April.  I sent out an email assuming someone bought it during a lunch break and then forgot to take it home at the end of day.  Is that what happened? No.  This lady bought it because it was on sale (along with 5 frozen meals) and knew she didn't have any space in her freezer at home so has just been storing at work.   

School: 
I start the University of New Mexico MBA program on August 22nd.  I registered for 4 classes and sometime before August 21st I fully intend on finding out what those classes are.  I am all up for moving but I was getting annoyed not knowing where I was actually going to live.  I wasn't really worried for the obvious reasons but mainly because I need to establish residency and need an address to do that  I have been praying for God's provision and "knew" that He would meet my needs, and He has (as of this morning)!  I had a few leads but nothing worked out then a few weeks ago I saw an ad on Craig's List and felt prompted to respond to it.  They were interested so Morgan hung out with them last week and gave the initial OK then we talked on Skype Saturday and they asked for a few days to decide between me and another girl.  This morning they said it was mine.  Sheesh, I don't know how those Bachelorete's do all that waiting for the rose ceremony.  It seems PERFECT, they are both active Christians, we have a lot in common, rent and utilities is less than I'm paying my parents currently (although I doubt one of them is going to volunteer to do my laundry), and it is a short bus or bike ride to campus.

Library:
A few weeks ago I saw a made for TV movie based on a book so I wanted to read the book.  I decided to try my hand at checking out from the library.  I know I used to run a library but I haven't had a Contra Costa Library card in a long time.  So it took me one day to get a card then I wanted the book, I saw they had it at the library by my sister's house so I put it on hold there.  Then the next day I went to pick it up and they said it was "in transit." What? Does it take that long to transport a book downstairs and put it on the hold shelf?  They say they don't necessarily pull holds from the library you're picking up at, they just pull them from the first library that comes up on the computer.  I was definitely a little frustrated by this, especially since I wanted to take it on the family camping trip.  Oh well, it came the next week.  Last week I went to the library by my office to check out another book someone recommended.  I checked on-line ahead of time and saw they had it. I did not put it on hold.  Then I went and couldn't find it in the fiction section. So I went to the computer and saw they had it but it was in the paperback fiction section.  How am I supposed to know if they have a hardback or paperback copy.  So I sound ranting but you know what, the library is FREE, and that is amazing. In conclusion, in spite of these minor annoyances it is definitely a great value.

Other:
Last month I joined my family in the annual camping trip. I hadn't gone in 6 years and it is much better than I remember.
Last July I made salted peanut butter ice cream sandwiches and they were a complete disaster. I did a variation yesterday and they were much better. Sometimes recipes are helpful, although not as adventurous.

Name that State

I went on a trip last week. Can you guess where? Here are some pictorial clues:







Other hints:
It is super windy, has a total population of less than 2,000,000 and is where I am moving in the fall.
New Mexico! I know exciting right? I mean is it Mexico or not, I’m still not sure. All I know is it is the place to go to be saved from all those tribes and tongues.
My friend Morgan (with the donkey) moved to Albuquerque a bit ago and said I should too. So then I started looking into UNM’s MBA program and it’s not bad. And, did you know that across the board New Mexico is much cheaper than the Bay Area?
School starts on August 22nd so unless something big comes up before then (which could happen) hola mexico/usa.
On other news I’m enjoying my new job (same company, much more relaxed desk). Yesterday I was assigned another manager to assist. He’s one of my favorite people in the company so it really doesn’t bother me when I have to pick up his lunch and dry cleaning -- he paid me back. May should be exciting, Cinco de Mayo again and spring exercise challenge, double points if you walk with someone from work. Oh and for Good Friday find the egg the pre-Easter Bunny hid in your desk.
Speaking of the Easter Bunny. He may not be real but Easter is and that is pretty amazing that because of Christ’s death and resurrection I, and you, can have eternal life.
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— Colossians 1:21-22

Spring Newness

Those winter days I sat outside and typed this in the sunshine are gone. They have been replaced by spring torrential downpours. My free umbrella did not take well to the wind and, in efforts to fix it, I’m sure I got more wet than if I would have left it closed and made a mad dash for my car.

I got a new job. Or at least I got rid of my old job. I started training my replacement on Monday and she’s already comfortable enough to make personal calls from her desk so I guess that is a good sign? I didn’t get fired or quit or anything I just requested a demotion and it was approved. Starting next week well see what that actually looks like but I foresee a lot of carwashes in the future.

There are lots of benefits that come with this demotion but the main reasoning behind it is to make the transition easier for the company when I go back to school in the fall. Already people are getting a little teary eyed that I’m leaving but I personally think 5 months is plenty of warning. I still don’t know where I’m going.

Last night we went bowling as an office. I am a terrible bowler, really. Fortunately we weren’t keeping team scores so I wasn’t taking anyone down with me. After we finished bowling there was the option of sticking around in the bar/cocktail lounge. I passed. There’s a little too much family history wrapped up in bowling alley bars. And I don’t drink.

I discovered that you can use sick time to go to doctors appointments so I’m all up on my vaccinations and teeth cleaning now. I caught a glimpse of my dental bill before I gave it to the HR lady at work. After my cleaning with the hygienist, I sat in the dentist’s chair to make small talk with him while he counted(?) my teeth (they’re all there), that took less than 5 minutes was $43! Yikes maybe I’ll become a dentist instead of getting my MBA. Except teeth are gross.

What’s new with you?

my trip to England

Now that I’ve been back from my English holiday for a whole week I possibly can just sort out highlights instead of you hearing every detail. But maybe you’re just wondering how the weather was. It was cold and damp but didn’t rain. So if that’s all you want to know you can stop reading.
I flew to London on a redeye after work one Thursday. I was equipped with my aunt’s Kindle

and a really good chocolate bar from my chocolatier (long story). There was no one sitting right next to me and the guy on the aisle shared his coconut M&M’s with me. Did you even know there was such a thing? I didn’t but I just Googled it and you can buy them on Amazon. Altogether it was a pretty great flight.
When I landed Keiz (one of my college roommates) and Aaron were there to meet me. Right when I got in the car my alarm started going off telling me to wake up for work. But guess what…I didn’t have to go to work! We drove around for a while with the aim of seeing Stonehenge. It was closed by the time we got there but fortunately it is right on the side of the freeway so we still got some pictures. Here is a bit of conversation leading up to the excitement known as Stonehenge…
“Oh I think that’s it”
“No, maybe that’s some trees”
“Wait, yes, it’s Stonehenge.”

We still don’t know what Stonehenge is but at least we know it is in England (news to me)
After Stonehenge we took the scenic route, passing lots of “tank crossing” signs and went to Winnersh to spend the night at Salena and Joel’s. Salena, Joel, Keiz and Aaron all went to high school together and somehow all ended up in England. Us girls all went to college together so it was fun to catch up.
On Saturday morning Keiz, Aaron and I took the train from Winnersh to London. We went on a walking tour and saw the palace…and Big Ben…and Westminster Abbey…and lots of other British looking things.

That night Salena and Joel met us and we went to see the queen. Or at least the musical based on Queen’s music, “We Will Rock You.” My boss recommended it and now I can’t quite look at him the same way.

Sunday we went to see the changing of the guard. We couldn’t actually see much so we left and went to Harrod’s department store, we spent most of our time in the food section. I will refrain from showing you 100 pictures of their food displays but I will tell you that you can buy lemonade with 24 karat gold flakes and that is cool.

We also went to the Victoria and Albert museum. I think we spent more time looking at Harrod’s food than this whole museum. After the museum we headed back to Keiz and Aaron’s house in Harrogate.
I love Harrogate. There are lots of surrounding farms but the town itself is metropolitan. From Keiz’s house you can walk to the downtown and I could have spent my whole vacation and savings account wandering in and out of the shops. I limited myself but I did get in one English tea and a few shirts.

At one of the used shops we bought the movie “Relative Values,” it was pretty hilarious. And although it’s in British the accents were manageable and the humor was actually funny. Overall I think my Spanish is better than British.
Tuesday we went to Fountains Abbey. It was freezing but beautiful.

Monks used to live there back in the day and when the monks got the boot it became a public garden, which it still is. In theory it would be a great place to spend the day and have a picnic. But like I said, it was freezing, so we kept moving. That night we went to Ripon. Every night at 9PM since 866 the town crier has gone to the town square to blow his horn and say that all is well in the town. Then he goes and finds the mayor and blows his horn some more and passes the message on to him. Since 866! Wow, that’s a long time.

Wednesday we went to York. We walked around, got some food, saw a local production of To Kill a Mockingbird and went to Minster Abbey. I liked York. We got to walk on top of the original town wall. The Abbey was having an auction selling off old stonework.


We didn’t get any. To Kill a Mockingbird was interesting. It was well done but you could see the struggle the actors were having trying to mask their accents and sound southern.
Thursday we went to a castle. It was cool but I don’t remember what it was called. We couldn’t go in because it was closed for the season.
 
The good thing about that is we saved $20 entrance and parking and were able to walk around the gardens for free. Then we drove to a dairy to meet the cows that made our ice cream.

Friday was my sad day of departure. We left the house at 4AM England time and I got home at 11PM California time. So yeah it was a long day and no one had coconut M&M ‘s to share with me.
Altogether it was brilliant. Now I am back at work which is less brilliant but change is in the air.

February Facts

Welcome Back! I missed you in January, but here is a little about what is going on.
I hear in parts of the US there are blizzards going on. San Ramon is not one of those parts. I’m sitting outside in short sleeves right now and not one bit chilly.
My newest nephew was born last week, Raymond Joel. He’s not a small baby I guess I wasn’t either. I think bigger babies are more human-like anyways. Here is our picture.

Another thing that was born was my salt and pepper shakers. I think the gestation period was about the same.

I’m going on holiday next week to England. I’m excited. Why?
1) I get to see Keiz
2) I get to see England
3) I get to take time off work

Work is fine. We’re having a Super Bowl celebration on Friday. Last year I won $25 so I hope that happens again.

This morning I was decorating the bulletin board for February.

While performing research I discovered something fascinating about conversation hearts. Every year they have add them with a theme. Like one year was “A menu for love” so they added things like “Table 4 Two” and “Honey Bun.” And another year was “Animal Attraction” so they had “Take a Walk” and “UR A Tiger.” When they first stated they said longer things like “Please send a lock of your hair by return mail.” I think I’ve found my calling.
Evidently you didn’t miss much in January