It has been awhile since I posted! But it's a lovely Memorial Day morning, the sun is out, and I'm up with my dog while my husband is still asleep. No better time than now to blog!
Things overall have been a bit stressful. My job is very demanding but I'm acclimating pretty well, so that's good. I got to see the new office on Friday and it is swaaaaaaaaanky! We're moving the office in September. The office itself inspired me to be a more professional, successful worker. It's very posh and I want to earn the right to be there--and by that I mean I want to be successful at my training program so that when I move to the new office it'll nearly be time for a promotion.
My husband is okay. As I mentioned earlier, his car got broken into, so he has been a bit frustrated. We're both feeling some kind of throat problem and I don't know what it is. It must be tied to sinus drainage so I took a Sudafed when I awoke. On Saturday we did gobs of work around the house and yesterday we went deep sea fishing with some friends so today we have *some* chores but not a full day's worth. I am toying with the idea of going to the fabric store to purchase some fabric to make a drape for the second bedroom's closet door. There is already a dowel rod in place. My alternative option is to do yard work, which could also be therapeutic. We need to paint and such inside but I don't know when we'll get to it. I have to admit that on a cloudy, cool, rainless day my first move is to go outside. I'm also reading Elizabeth Peters' Serpent on the Crown (started it last night) and it's fun. I so rarely get to read fiction that this feels like a real treat. I also feel I should run today--I dreamed last night that an old friend said I was on the verge of being overweight. Whether this is true or it's just my subconscious mind, it still shows that I'm concerned about my health. However, if this throat thing doesn't subside, I'll rest. I don't have enough time to eat at work and I definitely haven't been overeating. Usually the stress alone keeps me from eating much all day.
We have finished our coursework and turned everything in. It feels so strange not to have homework to do every evening! I can't believe I finished on time. No, really, I'm not just saying that. I'm still scratching my head about how exactly it happened!!
I think it's time to pour myself some Cheerios (breakfast of choice when I will be home most of the day and don't have to worry about going 6 hours between meals) and continue on with Mrs. Amelia Peabody and her crazy Egyptian adventures...but since the chimney guy is coming again, perhaps I should change into presentable clothing first!
Monday, May 29, 2006
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Update
My husband's car was broken into last night at the movies. His stereo, palm pilot with GPS, separate GPS, and all relevant chargers were stolen. So, I came home and logged on to livejournal to see that a friend's cousin found one of her babies dead of SIDs.
Puts it in perspective, right? We've got our health, our dog, and our jobs. Gadgets can be replaced.
Puts it in perspective, right? We've got our health, our dog, and our jobs. Gadgets can be replaced.
Monday, May 15, 2006
More Photos
Anybody out there surprised? This is my neighborhood! These are my neighbors! (and note that this is my hill, on which my house sits, high above the water...how privileged we are!!!)
Okay, for references, those houses are NOT supposed to be in the lake. And in this latter photo, that USED to be a road intersecting with our road at the bottom of the hill (on the opposite side from the lake). So if we look to our left from our house, we see houses in the lake, and if we look to our right, we see a lake where a road used to be.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
The Flooding
This is a house at the end of our street. It normally is NEAR the pond but not IN the pond. Flooding, anyone?
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Saturday Update
I'm sitting down with my java on this rainy Saturday morning and it's time to update. Our modest little abode has turned into a New England wilderness with all the rain. If you ever watched the latest version of Little Women, you have seen the green summer foliage of New England. The rain hasn't stopped since Tuesday. When will it end? I'm ready!
Viola, you are too sweet! No, I didn't study music in college, but I've always been a singy girl. I did musical theatre for years but my love of dance probably trumped my singing. I'm so glad you like my music!
I began my new job Wednesday and, well, it's odd. I like everyone and I think I'll like the job, but my boss is out of town and the girl who was supposed to train me on quite a bit of stuff has also been out sick, so we've been winging it. I have been reading everything I can, contacting people about meeting with me, etc. There is a list of "down time" activities for me to have done by next Friday and I'm almost finished with it already. There is another trainee going through this with me but he was a temp for the company the last three weeks and he seems to feel that training is beneath him. He continually interrupts those who present information to us, brags constantly, loves to hear himself talk, refuses to do the homework assigned to us, etc. It's awkward for me because 1) the answers to his questions are in the manual that we are supposed to have read (and I read it), and 2) I am not interested in listening to him brag. That being said, this program is pretty competitive, and he's making SURE to point out how great he is in every instance--particularly whenever he can also work in how "new" and "inexperienced" I am. I can't let that happen, but I don't exactly know what to do about it. He stays late every evening (though I don't see that he's actually that productive) so I've been arriving early. I want to look like the most professional, competant woman I can be, but I tend to veer on the side of letting my work speak for itself. My colleague, conversely, brags at the drop of a hat. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know.
Last night was pretty interesting. Let me give you some background. I had to skip my husband's annual work dinner to go out for drinks with "Ed," a consultant of some sort who comes to improve the ability of salesmen to sell. I'll get to work with him in probably six months, but not yet. The entire sales and marketing team was expected to go--particularly sales. I was told by my boss via email that this guy pretty much picks who gets promoted, fired, etc. I also got the strong impression from my colleagues that this guy was a heavy drinker and heavy partier...greaaaaaaaat, right? I had met him a couple of times, but of course couldn't get a word in edgewise due to my colleague's shameless self-promotion, and when Ed noticed me, he admonished the rest of my colleagues and told them, "Don't hide this little light under a bushel!" He was very kind and remembered my name, and I saw him in passing a few times over the next few days.
Skip to last night at the bar. I showed up and got a glass of wine and began chatting with my colleagues--many of whom I hardly knew. That was fun because they're all terribly interesting and witty. After awhile, Ed worked his way over, and he was wearing a flannel shirt. Flannel! Everyone else was in fancy suits and he was wearing a lumberjack shirt! For whatever reason, I forgot about impressing him because he was just a regular flannel shirted guy, just like my husband. We had a great conversation and after he left, the other person I was talking with turned to me and told me exactly how important Ed was in the company. Ed gets upwards of 50k a WEEK for consulting! (Of course this is rumor, so it probably isn't even close to that, but still, he's very, very important to our promotion.) Ed also does NOT take well to anyone who is nervous or a butt kisser. Okay, so at this point in the evening I wondered if I blew it, but Ed kept working his way back to my table and my conversation all evening. I honestly really liked him. He's not much of a drinker, has been married to his wife nearly 40 years, and is full of lively conversation. He's also a Scorpio like I am. We hit it off well, I think, and other people told me later how impressed he seemed to be with me. He winked at me a few times in a conspiratorial, non-sexual way and I got the strong impression that he enjoyed my company. He'll be at the office until Friday so perhaps I'll get a chance to say hello before he leaves town. I also spent an hour or so talking with my boss's boss's boss, and he was a hoot also. We got to talking about bear hunting and speeding and Maine and I laughed myself silly. I told him my embarrassing lobster story too. So I am *guessing* I did well, but since that was my first outing, I don't know how it was supposed to go.
Today I have to write a paper. Before I do that (but after I finish this coffee) the dog is going to get a bath. He has the strong smell of Wet Dog and it'll subside somewhat with a good shampoo. My husband is working until about two today. I plan also to get some housework done so that when my husband gets home we can concentrate on our homework.
Viola, you are too sweet! No, I didn't study music in college, but I've always been a singy girl. I did musical theatre for years but my love of dance probably trumped my singing. I'm so glad you like my music!
I began my new job Wednesday and, well, it's odd. I like everyone and I think I'll like the job, but my boss is out of town and the girl who was supposed to train me on quite a bit of stuff has also been out sick, so we've been winging it. I have been reading everything I can, contacting people about meeting with me, etc. There is a list of "down time" activities for me to have done by next Friday and I'm almost finished with it already. There is another trainee going through this with me but he was a temp for the company the last three weeks and he seems to feel that training is beneath him. He continually interrupts those who present information to us, brags constantly, loves to hear himself talk, refuses to do the homework assigned to us, etc. It's awkward for me because 1) the answers to his questions are in the manual that we are supposed to have read (and I read it), and 2) I am not interested in listening to him brag. That being said, this program is pretty competitive, and he's making SURE to point out how great he is in every instance--particularly whenever he can also work in how "new" and "inexperienced" I am. I can't let that happen, but I don't exactly know what to do about it. He stays late every evening (though I don't see that he's actually that productive) so I've been arriving early. I want to look like the most professional, competant woman I can be, but I tend to veer on the side of letting my work speak for itself. My colleague, conversely, brags at the drop of a hat. If anyone has any suggestions, let me know.
Last night was pretty interesting. Let me give you some background. I had to skip my husband's annual work dinner to go out for drinks with "Ed," a consultant of some sort who comes to improve the ability of salesmen to sell. I'll get to work with him in probably six months, but not yet. The entire sales and marketing team was expected to go--particularly sales. I was told by my boss via email that this guy pretty much picks who gets promoted, fired, etc. I also got the strong impression from my colleagues that this guy was a heavy drinker and heavy partier...greaaaaaaaat, right? I had met him a couple of times, but of course couldn't get a word in edgewise due to my colleague's shameless self-promotion, and when Ed noticed me, he admonished the rest of my colleagues and told them, "Don't hide this little light under a bushel!" He was very kind and remembered my name, and I saw him in passing a few times over the next few days.
Skip to last night at the bar. I showed up and got a glass of wine and began chatting with my colleagues--many of whom I hardly knew. That was fun because they're all terribly interesting and witty. After awhile, Ed worked his way over, and he was wearing a flannel shirt. Flannel! Everyone else was in fancy suits and he was wearing a lumberjack shirt! For whatever reason, I forgot about impressing him because he was just a regular flannel shirted guy, just like my husband. We had a great conversation and after he left, the other person I was talking with turned to me and told me exactly how important Ed was in the company. Ed gets upwards of 50k a WEEK for consulting! (Of course this is rumor, so it probably isn't even close to that, but still, he's very, very important to our promotion.) Ed also does NOT take well to anyone who is nervous or a butt kisser. Okay, so at this point in the evening I wondered if I blew it, but Ed kept working his way back to my table and my conversation all evening. I honestly really liked him. He's not much of a drinker, has been married to his wife nearly 40 years, and is full of lively conversation. He's also a Scorpio like I am. We hit it off well, I think, and other people told me later how impressed he seemed to be with me. He winked at me a few times in a conspiratorial, non-sexual way and I got the strong impression that he enjoyed my company. He'll be at the office until Friday so perhaps I'll get a chance to say hello before he leaves town. I also spent an hour or so talking with my boss's boss's boss, and he was a hoot also. We got to talking about bear hunting and speeding and Maine and I laughed myself silly. I told him my embarrassing lobster story too. So I am *guessing* I did well, but since that was my first outing, I don't know how it was supposed to go.
Today I have to write a paper. Before I do that (but after I finish this coffee) the dog is going to get a bath. He has the strong smell of Wet Dog and it'll subside somewhat with a good shampoo. My husband is working until about two today. I plan also to get some housework done so that when my husband gets home we can concentrate on our homework.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
My First Day of Work in My First Real Job in My First Real Suit with the Same Old Lunchbox
I worked out this morning--2 miles of running and 1 mile of powerwalking--in an effort to curb my nervousness about my first day of work tomorrow. TO NO AVAIL! It hit me as I was sitting here, calmly working on a paper about Martin Luther King, Gandhi, and Nhat Hanh and their understandings of suffering as redemptive, and I realized I hadn't yet finished reading the binders of information for work I was given to have read by tomorrow. Where did the time go? I don't see it anywhere! Somehow all this has snuck up on me! So now I'm plowing through my binders of info and my half-glass of red wine isn't helping me relax...baaaaaaaah!
I'm nervous about working--more nervous than my wedding day or when we bought the house (or car, or dog). I'm not sure what exactly makes me anxious. I fully intend to do a great job and knock their socks off, but for some reason, just the fact that it'll be my first day makes me anxious. I suppose this is just the jitters of "How is it going to be? Will I really like it like I think I will? Where will my cubicle be? Will I break the coffee machine? Will I spill things on myself in front of management? Will I forget everyone's name? Will people be staring at my butt and pointing because it is so big that I look like a hippo?" I feel like it's my first day of junior high and I don't know ANYone in the school. I feel quite sure that nothing monstrously bad will happen--in fact I have already met and like many of my new colleagues and I know beyond reasonable doubt that my butt is not the size of a hippo's derriere. If my hair looks stupid I'll just tie it back, and if I spill something on myself...well, I'll just wear the stain for the rest of the day. I've done it before. So, really, I shouldn't be anxious. It'll be fine and I'm sure I'll come home tomorrow feeling like my day was rather boring. And then I'll call my family and friends and be completely blase about the whole thing: "Oh, yeah, I started work this week. No, it was totally tame but I expected that...wasn't the least bit worried at all..."
Shouldn't they have a magazine article devoted to this? "My first day of work in my first real job in my first real suit with the same old lunchbox."
I'm nervous about working--more nervous than my wedding day or when we bought the house (or car, or dog). I'm not sure what exactly makes me anxious. I fully intend to do a great job and knock their socks off, but for some reason, just the fact that it'll be my first day makes me anxious. I suppose this is just the jitters of "How is it going to be? Will I really like it like I think I will? Where will my cubicle be? Will I break the coffee machine? Will I spill things on myself in front of management? Will I forget everyone's name? Will people be staring at my butt and pointing because it is so big that I look like a hippo?" I feel like it's my first day of junior high and I don't know ANYone in the school. I feel quite sure that nothing monstrously bad will happen--in fact I have already met and like many of my new colleagues and I know beyond reasonable doubt that my butt is not the size of a hippo's derriere. If my hair looks stupid I'll just tie it back, and if I spill something on myself...well, I'll just wear the stain for the rest of the day. I've done it before. So, really, I shouldn't be anxious. It'll be fine and I'm sure I'll come home tomorrow feeling like my day was rather boring. And then I'll call my family and friends and be completely blase about the whole thing: "Oh, yeah, I started work this week. No, it was totally tame but I expected that...wasn't the least bit worried at all..."
Shouldn't they have a magazine article devoted to this? "My first day of work in my first real job in my first real suit with the same old lunchbox."
Monday, May 08, 2006
Update
Well, I feel like I should update my blog, but I can't say that I have much news. I've been working out. On Friday I ran 2 miles and powerwalked 1, on Saturday I ran 1.5 miles and powerwalked 2 miles, and yesterday I walked somewhere over 1.5 miles with my husband. I am trying to decide if I want to jog today or this evening (or not at all). Hmmmmm.
On Friday I went to a gathering in Rhode Island by the ocean for my husband's work, and Saturday we went to a baby shower. Oh, the envy! However, I know we'll have a baby when it's time, and in the meantime I am excited about being able to improve our standard of living. I have new suits to wear and I'm ultra-excited about my new job! My personal grooming has got to improve, however. I wear my hair in a ponytail every day even though I have an adorable little haircut simply because I don't know how to do it and am too lazy to try. I need to do a pedicure and put polish on my nails. Also, Physicians has started a new mineral line of foundations, powders, and other makeup. There is a rebate online for the full value (minus tax) of the mineral liquid foundation, so I may give it a shot. Mineral makeup is supposed to be good for your skin, and I would love to have improved skin. I am only semi-pleased with my current foundation. Physicians also has a new powder foundation much like Bare Escentuals except it's 1/6th the cost--ten dollars for the brush and foundation! Woohoo! So I'm going to go to Brook's today and see what's there.
How's this for an uninteresting update? :) I have LOTS of work to do on my final papers, so that is what I'll be doing for the majority of my day. My husband is defending his thesis now. I hope it goes well. He should be back around three.
The verdict is still out on when I'll exercise...I'll either do it tonight or not at all.
On Friday I went to a gathering in Rhode Island by the ocean for my husband's work, and Saturday we went to a baby shower. Oh, the envy! However, I know we'll have a baby when it's time, and in the meantime I am excited about being able to improve our standard of living. I have new suits to wear and I'm ultra-excited about my new job! My personal grooming has got to improve, however. I wear my hair in a ponytail every day even though I have an adorable little haircut simply because I don't know how to do it and am too lazy to try. I need to do a pedicure and put polish on my nails. Also, Physicians has started a new mineral line of foundations, powders, and other makeup. There is a rebate online for the full value (minus tax) of the mineral liquid foundation, so I may give it a shot. Mineral makeup is supposed to be good for your skin, and I would love to have improved skin. I am only semi-pleased with my current foundation. Physicians also has a new powder foundation much like Bare Escentuals except it's 1/6th the cost--ten dollars for the brush and foundation! Woohoo! So I'm going to go to Brook's today and see what's there.
How's this for an uninteresting update? :) I have LOTS of work to do on my final papers, so that is what I'll be doing for the majority of my day. My husband is defending his thesis now. I hope it goes well. He should be back around three.
The verdict is still out on when I'll exercise...I'll either do it tonight or not at all.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Last Couple of Days and Random Thoughts
The last couple of days have been great! On Wednesday I arrived to my last day of work at the library and brought chocolate bars for my supervisors and one big bar to share with the rest of the staff. I had worked there nearly three years and enjoyed everyone, so I felt sad about leaving. Turns out they were sad also! They had planned a surprise party for me with cake, flowers, presents and the whole library staff came! It was fun and flattering and I'm so grateful for them. It was a great last day of work.
Last night I went to meet some of my new work colleagues at a BBQ. They were all fun, friendly, well-spoken, and surprisingly good-looking. Everyone was incredibly intelligent and I think I'll enjoy working there. But that and hearing stories of others' exercise has induced me to hop on the treadmill. I'm about to finish my java and then I'll put on a movie and jog. I think that having a goal of some sort would help me--perhaps a distance goal, frequency goal, something. I don't own a scale so it can't be a weight goal.
The dog hasn't been coming back when called lately so we're going to try to put in a fence this weekend if it doesn't rain. We got an estimate and it's going to be expensive to have it done--about 2k--and to do it ourselves will top out at 500 dollars. Huge difference. This, of course, puts us in the position of doing a home improvement project that we have no idea how to do, but my husband is determined to do it ourselves.
I still love the car. I think I've named him Zippy, because he's got a lot of get-up-and-go and I bought him in a rush.
I read an article today about women's dress sizes having gone down. A woman who wore a size eight in the 1960s now wears a zero or two. Crazy, isn't it? Women are getting bigger and more and more companies are catering to women's vanity. Overweight women wear sixes and eights. Oh wait, *I* wear a six sometimes. This does not bode well for my believing I still fit in a size four--technically I do, but it's only because sizes have changed along with my rear. The number on the tag no longer reflects how cute a rear is. I can't delude myself any longer. Maybe that's a blessing in disguise.
This past weekend I went to a wedding shower and bachelorette dinner, and it was so strange to see the bride's old friends and new friends. Her old friends were the gorgeous, popular girls from Anytown High School, and I felt like I was looking at "Mean Girls: Ten Years Later." They were nice enough but rather cold, and all at the same time I couldn't help admiring how incredibly beautiful they were. The shortest one was a solid six inches taller than I am, so I can't help that, but it made me realize that I do have the choice how much to take care of my hair, skin, nails, and body. My husband and I were talking about it and I realized that my envy of them had little to do with them and everything to do with how I feel about myself. While I don't want to turn into them (with monthly hundred-dollar salon haircuts), I think my uncharacteristic envy of them was derived from how I've let myself go in graduate school. I've maybe gained ten pounds but more than that, I've just quit taking care of myself. So, the obvious solution is to begin anew, and I intend to do that. Just as a frame of reference, here's a photo of me in college on the pom squad and the second photo is from my honeymoon, two years later.
Yep, it's time to begin again.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
I Am a Celebrity Look-Alike
From a friend's blog I discovered http://www.myheritage.com, a site that allows you to upload a photo of yourself to see which celebrities you look like. I generically looked like multiple celebrities (as in we all have eyes, ears, noses, and mouths), but I am strikingly similar to Holly Marie Combs. Check it out:
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Told the Husband
and he loves the car! He was really pleased about the whole thing--most of all the fact that I enjoy driving it so much. He liked the price, liked the specs, and was grateful I did it while he was gone. He drove it today and said honestly, he didn't much care for the feel of it, but that is because he loves big barrelling trucks and SUVs that make you feel like a piece of popcorn (bounce! bounce! bounce!). My car is smooth and the brakes are feather-sensitive, and he said that while he thought it was a perfect fit for me, he would have chosen a pickup truck. I replied that I was glad I bought it while he was gone!!! Really, though, he's completely supportive and is very, very happy about my choice of car. Also, he said he's glad that I am able to make big decisions without him. My mother has somewhat of a complex about not being able to make big decisions AT ALL (my dad must make them all), and he was pleased I am not showing evidence of having that trait. I research it, I test drive, I know my price, and I buy it at my price. I am exactly like my dad in that respect. I do not want to agonize, and I don't doubt my decision. Neither does my husband. I wasn't worried about his reaction but it's nice to know that I really *do* know my husband as well as I thought I did.
Now I'm sitting here drinking a glass of sauvignon blanc, having finished my salmon and rice. I did a good job on dinner! I've made this particular meal before with supervision, so I guessed I'd do a decent job. I'm watching American Idol and I'm more and more impressed with Chris. I didn't like him at first because, ick ick ick, he has facial hair. I think facial hair looks exactly like the OTHER hair you cover with your underpants. But I suppose I must acknowledge he has talent, even if I wouldn't kiss him. Taylor, who also hasn't impressed me up until now, got funky! What a hoot he is!!!! I like him now as well. I am a sucker for old-timey funk.
I start my new job next week, so I've been working on my final papers today. I am getting more and more excited about my new job--what opportunities abound! I'll work my butt off but there's nothing bad about that. I'll get better, move up, and maybe one day I'll wake up and my butt will actually be smaller. I've been reading some motivational business books and I'm getting pumped.
My husband will be home in half an hour or so, and I'm already excited. Is it normal to be in love with your husband even with all the stress in life? The book I've been reading says if you pour yourself into something and put it high in importance in your life, you will continually find new things that fascinate you and rejuvinate you about it. I think I must feel that way about my marriage. I am still madly in love with my husband, and I feel like I'm waiting for a date to pick me up when I watch the clock to see when he will come home. I'm giddy! This must be one of the best blessings in life ever given, and I'm so grateful God gave it to me.
The dog says he's a blessing, and he has some holy water to bestow upon the holy grass. I must take him out.
Now I'm sitting here drinking a glass of sauvignon blanc, having finished my salmon and rice. I did a good job on dinner! I've made this particular meal before with supervision, so I guessed I'd do a decent job. I'm watching American Idol and I'm more and more impressed with Chris. I didn't like him at first because, ick ick ick, he has facial hair. I think facial hair looks exactly like the OTHER hair you cover with your underpants. But I suppose I must acknowledge he has talent, even if I wouldn't kiss him. Taylor, who also hasn't impressed me up until now, got funky! What a hoot he is!!!! I like him now as well. I am a sucker for old-timey funk.
I start my new job next week, so I've been working on my final papers today. I am getting more and more excited about my new job--what opportunities abound! I'll work my butt off but there's nothing bad about that. I'll get better, move up, and maybe one day I'll wake up and my butt will actually be smaller. I've been reading some motivational business books and I'm getting pumped.
My husband will be home in half an hour or so, and I'm already excited. Is it normal to be in love with your husband even with all the stress in life? The book I've been reading says if you pour yourself into something and put it high in importance in your life, you will continually find new things that fascinate you and rejuvinate you about it. I think I must feel that way about my marriage. I am still madly in love with my husband, and I feel like I'm waiting for a date to pick me up when I watch the clock to see when he will come home. I'm giddy! This must be one of the best blessings in life ever given, and I'm so grateful God gave it to me.
The dog says he's a blessing, and he has some holy water to bestow upon the holy grass. I must take him out.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Scratch All That
I bought a car yesterday. I bought a Mazda 3 with the safety package and other amenities. I bought it off the lot and got very fair deal--not a total steal like my dad prides himself on getting, but a good one--below MSRP. Our payments will be very reasonable per my credit and overall I feel really good about it. Actually I have been rolling my eyes ever since this car fiasco began. Tell me if you see a pattern in how long it takes me to choose things:
Spouse: 3 days
House: 2 days
Dog: Received from Puerto Rico after having seen one photograph
Car: 2 hours
The GOOD part about this is I almost always make great decisions on the fly--it's when I think about them too much that I make bad ones. I showed up to look at the Focus and the Mazda 3, as they are fairly comparable in base price, and drove the Mazda 3 (having driven the Focus for a week before). HUGE DIFFERENCE IN QUALITY. I could feel it when I was driving it. The salesman said that the Mazda 3 is made on the same frame as a Volvo, and that is why it drives like a better car. It sits very differently than the Focus. It responds better, is MUCH quieter, glides over the road like butter on a hot knife, and in my opinion it also looks better. It has a five-star safety rating that my salesman said has helped his customers get breaks on insurance, but I'll reserve judgment on that until I get the insurance bill.
I bought this car alone, but I didn't feel panicky about what my husband would say. He is away for work again. We've had many conversations, but here's the jist of what we discussed:
1) No sense in getting a fancy over-30k car because it will take a beating on the Boston roads and I will want to wash the salt off EVERY DAY in a panic
2) No sense in getting an absolute crap car that won't last more than 7 years, so we wanted quality without paying through the nose for a Volvo or Audi or something
3) His jeep will poop out within five years (it's a 96), so we wanted to get a car for me that would LAST awhile so as to stagger choosing autos
4) I will need something semi-businesslike, which we were debating on the Focus (is it "nice" enough looking? doubtful--for now would be fine but after six years it wouldn't say "business executive-in-training" well.)
and, finally, here is what he said:
5) "This is YOUR car, honey. Get something YOU like to drive. We can afford the payments (within reason)."
So, my Mazda 3 was about 2k more than we would have spent on a Focus. I don't feel guilty about that, even though I otherwise would, because the feel of the car is absolutely superior, the safety is superior, and the resale value of Mazda 3s is considerably higher than a Ford Focus. Also, I generally just don't feel a sense of regret. I always do when I've screwed up, but I don't feel it.
The dealership is very, very convenient to my house--about 15 minutes of "main street" driving rather than highway. Tomorrow morning I have to go get my plates off my Chevy and take them to the dealership, then the salesman is going to follow me home, bring me back to the dealership, and give me a "loaner car" until I come back to pick up my tagged, inspected, washed, shined, and fully insured car (he's handling all of the phone calls and preparation on that). I realize I'm probably paying for all that through the price of the car, but ahhhhhhhhh it's lovely. I'll pick the car up around 4 because I am to pick up my husband at 5 in Milton.
In general, this dealership is similar to many because any time I have work done on my car (free, of course), I get a loaner car for the day if the work will take 4 hours or more. This will likely be negotiable if I *cannot* miss work and the tune up will take a couple of hours--I could always bring the loaner car back and pick up my car at lunch if I brought it in before work. (I'm told they give preferential treatment for loyal, local customers.) Also, they open at 7 for those of us who have to hurry to work and they provide breakfast, internet, phone, etc. They are also open Saturdays. They have roadside assistance anywhere in the country, 24/7 for free and a whole bunch of other perks. I'll tell you what, I am hoping this dealership seems to be as honest as it seemed yesterday because it would be SO nice to be able to trust a dealership to take care of my car. The salesman yesterday seemed honest--told me the specs, offered to show me other cars, even cheaper ones, and said, "I get a flat rate commission, so I don't want to tell you what car you should like--you will like what you will like, and I'm just here to help you test drive and tell you about the cars." I had assumed I'd get a salesman pushing me toward the more expensive cars, but nope. He didn't even show me the fancy car I ended up buying until I said I wanted side air bags, and then I got to test drive THAT one too. My car-buying experience was totally up to me, and he more facilitated than anything. I felt pretty solid about my decision, even though I've never bought a car before and my husband was out of town. I made the best decisions I could, and my husband trusts me. Frankly, in almost every financial situation, we agree, so I'm not worried. He's much more willing to spend money on cars than I am, so I think he'll be excited about a non-Focus.
As an aside, this car has the antenna right in the middle of it. Very symmetrical. I LOVE that.
Now I just have to figure out a way to tell my husband. "Honey, you know how you told me to get what I wanted?...welllllll..."
Saturday, April 29, 2006
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (backwards)
The Ugly News: The Chevy is completely shot. No chance of fixing it and we're just hoping we don't have to pay to tow it to the junkyard.
The Bad News: I need a car within the week, and Massachusetts laws are awful. I have to get plates, proof of insurance, EVERYTHING, before I can drive a car off the lot. Before I get that done I have to choose the car to switch plates and procure insurance. It's a mess.
The Good News: A good girlfriend of mine is marrying a banker who, up until a couple of months ago, was the director of banking for Eastern MA and Southern NH for car dealership sales. He sold car bonds to the dealerships, basically, which means he knows everyone in town. He just offered to take me around to "his" dealerships--the ones he trusts--and will help me negotiate price and such. He said he will help me get something at or slightly above wholesale as well as getting me a competitive financing rate. This is great because I've been worried about getting screwed. I think, quite honestly, that he's taking pity on us. We've never bought a new car before and we're ripe for a big fat ripoff. Also, I'm singing in their wedding in August.
The Even Better News: If I buy in Nashua near him, I think I get to skip the MA laws about procuring insurance BEFORE driving off the lot. Woohoo!
The Bad News: I need a car within the week, and Massachusetts laws are awful. I have to get plates, proof of insurance, EVERYTHING, before I can drive a car off the lot. Before I get that done I have to choose the car to switch plates and procure insurance. It's a mess.
The Good News: A good girlfriend of mine is marrying a banker who, up until a couple of months ago, was the director of banking for Eastern MA and Southern NH for car dealership sales. He sold car bonds to the dealerships, basically, which means he knows everyone in town. He just offered to take me around to "his" dealerships--the ones he trusts--and will help me negotiate price and such. He said he will help me get something at or slightly above wholesale as well as getting me a competitive financing rate. This is great because I've been worried about getting screwed. I think, quite honestly, that he's taking pity on us. We've never bought a new car before and we're ripe for a big fat ripoff. Also, I'm singing in their wedding in August.
The Even Better News: If I buy in Nashua near him, I think I get to skip the MA laws about procuring insurance BEFORE driving off the lot. Woohoo!
Friday, April 28, 2006
Darn Car
The car needs a new cylindar head, a new gasket, and some new other stuff. It'll cost 2100 dollars to fix. The car is worth 2000 at best. CRAP. CRAP CRAP CRAP.
I could cry but I won't. Interest rates are pretty high right now. I wonder, should I ask my dad for a loan at a lower rate than 9 percent??
I could cry but I won't. Interest rates are pretty high right now. I wonder, should I ask my dad for a loan at a lower rate than 9 percent??
Finished My Oral Examinations
And got an A! At the end, after giving me my grade, my advisors asked me when I plan to send this off to press. They have already made contacts at Abingdon Press for me.
I am so sleepy now! I know I have papers to write left but I just feel like goofing off today.
I am so sleepy now! I know I have papers to write left but I just feel like goofing off today.
Good Thing I Got My Teeth Cleaned
because today is my oral examination. Well, on my thesis, but I'm hoping my bright-white smile will help me pass.
I'm up early drinking my new french vanilla blend coffee (que delicioso!) and browsing through blogs. Last night I had an absolute blast at my husband's district dinner. We were at the Winchester Country Club, which is unbelievably beautiful in every way, including the neighborhood. We got there early because he had to help set up, so I struck up a conversation with another non-setter-upper who had arrived early. His name was John, and we had a lot to talk about. In fact, we talked the whole evening, even sat together at dinner (his wife was home with the kids and my husband was running around constantly, so it worked out). About partway through the dinner, after having gushed over how much I liked the club, I said, "Have you ever been here before?" He looked at me strangely and said, "Umm...yes. This is my club. I am here because I am sponsoring this dinner." OOPS! He's also on the board of the local hospital, has a big boat that he invited us out on about ten times, and in addition to being an estate lawyer has multiple side businesses--including sponsoring inventions. He was so incredibly interesting and I can't wait to go out on the boat with him, his wife (if she'll go, he says she hates the boat but might go if I go), and his three boys, the youngest of which is two. After the dinner, I told my husband all that happened, and he began to laugh. Apparently I have an uncanny knack for talking to really, really important people and not having a clue who they are! Believe me, this happens a lot.
Also, I had quite a blessing the other day. Let me copy from an email to my dad:
In any case, whether we purchase a used car or new one, I don't have the first clue what to buy. I want a four-door smaller sedan, and I don't like the bubble look of a Ford Taurus (doesn't it look like a humpback?). The car I really love is a Jetta, but this might be a bit pricey if bought new. Does anyone have any suggestions of good, safe, smaller sedans that don't cost an arm and a leg? Also, it needs to be all-wheel-drive or 4WD if possible, the hill we live on is a ***** in winter ice.
I'm up early drinking my new french vanilla blend coffee (que delicioso!) and browsing through blogs. Last night I had an absolute blast at my husband's district dinner. We were at the Winchester Country Club, which is unbelievably beautiful in every way, including the neighborhood. We got there early because he had to help set up, so I struck up a conversation with another non-setter-upper who had arrived early. His name was John, and we had a lot to talk about. In fact, we talked the whole evening, even sat together at dinner (his wife was home with the kids and my husband was running around constantly, so it worked out). About partway through the dinner, after having gushed over how much I liked the club, I said, "Have you ever been here before?" He looked at me strangely and said, "Umm...yes. This is my club. I am here because I am sponsoring this dinner." OOPS! He's also on the board of the local hospital, has a big boat that he invited us out on about ten times, and in addition to being an estate lawyer has multiple side businesses--including sponsoring inventions. He was so incredibly interesting and I can't wait to go out on the boat with him, his wife (if she'll go, he says she hates the boat but might go if I go), and his three boys, the youngest of which is two. After the dinner, I told my husband all that happened, and he began to laugh. Apparently I have an uncanny knack for talking to really, really important people and not having a clue who they are! Believe me, this happens a lot.
Also, I had quite a blessing the other day. Let me copy from an email to my dad:
Just thought you would enjoy the fact that the tow truck guy who came was a crotchety old guy who for some reason took an interest in my plight. He asked how long we had lived there (we’re obviously new), what was wrong with the car, when it happened, what did it sound like, etc. He was a mechanic also. He said another dealership was much better and closer and charged me nine dollars for the tow. He said he’d mention all that I told him about what went wrong to the mechanic and make sure they called me. He also told me it shouldn’t be more than 150 to fix unless something’s really awful. Then he shooed me away and told me he would “take care of everything” and fifteen minutes later I peeked out the window and he had gotten his flashlight out and was looking around in the engine! He did a few test tries turning on the car and seemed to make SURE he knew what was wrong. Then he towed it. I think he wants to make sure we don’t get taken for a ride by the dealer.
It is amazing how nice people are when they figure out that we are just starting out in life.
As you might be able to tell, we now are only driving one car, as my junky Chevy is at the shop. I honestly don't know if 1) it's fixable, and 2) it's fixable on our budget. I'm going to call again to see. Some have quoted me 150, some have said upwards of 1500. We are looking into other options, such as purchasing a used vehicle (high interest rate, but lower written price, questionable history, doesn't lose value terribly quickly) or a new vehicle (low interest rate by about 6%, but higher written price, known perfect history, loses some value when you drive it off the lot.) I don't know what to do. We are praying my Chevy makes it to the end of the summer because we might get better deals on a car then. It might not. I wanted to be able to drive this car into the ground before I got a new one, but everyone who has looked under the hood has said, "Well, (snicker), this car is definitely in the ground, if that's where you wanted it." Excuse me, Mr. Mechanic, I would prefer that this occur later. Tell me it'll be cheap to fix. Tell me it'll go another 50,000 miles. Oh, you think it won't drive another ten miles? I'll have to seek out a seventh opinion here. Please call my tow truck guy again.
In any case, whether we purchase a used car or new one, I don't have the first clue what to buy. I want a four-door smaller sedan, and I don't like the bubble look of a Ford Taurus (doesn't it look like a humpback?). The car I really love is a Jetta, but this might be a bit pricey if bought new. Does anyone have any suggestions of good, safe, smaller sedans that don't cost an arm and a leg? Also, it needs to be all-wheel-drive or 4WD if possible, the hill we live on is a ***** in winter ice.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
The Politically Incorrect Guide
As of last night I've been reading The Politically Incorrect Guide to Women, Sex, and Feminism, by Carrie Lukas. It's an excellent read so far, particularly for me. Until last year I had every intention of going into academia as a professor of feminist and religious studies, but my feminism is akin to that of Elizabeth Cady Stanton rather than Gloria Steinem. I came to realize through my six years of study that there was no room for "old-school" feminists, particularly Christian or Republican ones. The form of feminism that is dominant in academic circles and our society in general is an anti-establishment, anti-monogamy, leftist political group. Many of my opinions were considered taboo in my feminist classes, such as, "If you're not ready for a baby, you're not ready for sex." My personal practices were and are pretty conservative, and this coupled with my belief in capitalism pretty well threw me out of feminist academia. When I read Christina Hoff-Summer's Who Stole Feminism, a lightbulb went off in my brain, but she didn't deal with the practical side of what young women are being taught by feminist-influenced education, literature (Cosmo, for example), and college campus cultures. Free love means unpaid sex for men, and we're the suppliers (or else we're prude). Carrie Lukas goes into the messages thrown at young women, without sounding overly judgmental or evangelical, and urges readers to decide for themselves how they want to approach life and sex. I am really enjoying this book so far, even though I'm past the point in my life where I would be considering "hook-ups," but I am to the point where I'm considering how important I want my career to be, and how we will handle children once we have them. I hope Lukas will go into this conundrum in later chapters.
Monday, April 24, 2006
In Defense of Cell Phones
from a post I made on Townhall, in response to an article blasting the prevalent use of cell phones.
This sounds like a lot of baby boomer hullabaloo about the fact that the world is changing. My generation IMs, text messages, and calls while running errands. Is it entirely necessary that we give ALL our attention to what brand of pasta we put in our grocery carts?
I talk to my parents and family and friends frequently--iming and chatting on the cell phone whenever I'm doing otherwise mindless tasks and have something to say. Is this important? No, but neither is choosing squash or corn. What IS important is the connection I have with them, as I live halfway across the country from most of the people I love. My generation is necessarily mobile and faces long commutes because of the incredibly high cost of living in the city and nearby suburbs. We don't have time to spare to sit at home and chat on the phone. In my marriage, both my husband and I work to pay off our student loans, so all errands, housework, and chores must be done in a short period of time. Whenever it's mindless, we squeeze in our best effort at quality time with those we love.
I avoid talking on my phone in the car or when doing anything else that requires my attention. I always end phone calls before checking out at a store and if anyone requires my attention who is physically in front of my, I put my phone call on hold to give that person the proper attention. I try to talk quietly by making sure to have a phone with a good microphone, enabling me to talk in hushed voice quieter than I would talk to someone next to me on the subway. But, otherwise, I want to invest my time in people who matter. I don't want to pay attention to marketing or panhandlers or watching hipsters rock out to their Ipods.
So, for those of you who have the luxury of living close to family or close to your place of employment or have a spouse at home taking care of errands and chores, more power to you. But for the rest of us youngsters who face a tougher lifestyle than you now face, let us keep in touch with our families and friends whenever we can. We realize they'll be gone before we know it.
Oh, and as an aside, I know I'm not important--but my family is
This sounds like a lot of baby boomer hullabaloo about the fact that the world is changing. My generation IMs, text messages, and calls while running errands. Is it entirely necessary that we give ALL our attention to what brand of pasta we put in our grocery carts?
I talk to my parents and family and friends frequently--iming and chatting on the cell phone whenever I'm doing otherwise mindless tasks and have something to say. Is this important? No, but neither is choosing squash or corn. What IS important is the connection I have with them, as I live halfway across the country from most of the people I love. My generation is necessarily mobile and faces long commutes because of the incredibly high cost of living in the city and nearby suburbs. We don't have time to spare to sit at home and chat on the phone. In my marriage, both my husband and I work to pay off our student loans, so all errands, housework, and chores must be done in a short period of time. Whenever it's mindless, we squeeze in our best effort at quality time with those we love.
I avoid talking on my phone in the car or when doing anything else that requires my attention. I always end phone calls before checking out at a store and if anyone requires my attention who is physically in front of my, I put my phone call on hold to give that person the proper attention. I try to talk quietly by making sure to have a phone with a good microphone, enabling me to talk in hushed voice quieter than I would talk to someone next to me on the subway. But, otherwise, I want to invest my time in people who matter. I don't want to pay attention to marketing or panhandlers or watching hipsters rock out to their Ipods.
So, for those of you who have the luxury of living close to family or close to your place of employment or have a spouse at home taking care of errands and chores, more power to you. But for the rest of us youngsters who face a tougher lifestyle than you now face, let us keep in touch with our families and friends whenever we can. We realize they'll be gone before we know it.
Oh, and as an aside, I know I'm not important--but my family is
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Sunday Morning
There's something about Sunday mornings I have always loved. I've hated Sunday mornings, too, particularly when I'm exhausted and I've got to play bells at early church, but overall I love them. I especially appreciate them now, as I was on somewhat of a spiritual hiatus my first year at HDS. I felt bullied in every direction but there was no retreat, nowhere to go that would give me fellowship and worship. I did go to a church, but I disagreed so heartily with the pastor on pretty much every issue, including how to be a pastor, that I first stopped taking communion, then started walking out of sermons, then started walking out of prayers, then just sat in the church library the whole time, then stopped coming altogether. I tried to like it because my husband was the pastoral intern, but I simply couldn't. Then we found our current church after his internship was over and I love it! I didn't realize how much I enjoy this church until we came back after our summer-long vacation, and coming back was like coming home. I saw folks I knew, got caught up on things, and I looked forward to it. This church enables me to lower my hackles, which is wonderful because in order to survive Harvard Divinity, you've got to be aggressive, thick-skinned, and somewhat two-faced. I have managed to get aggressive and sometimes to have thick skin, but I have never managed being two-faced. A girl can only stretch her temperament so far.
In any case, Sunday morning feels like some kind of cleansing to me. It is time to take care of our spirituality, to nurture our relationship with God, and to face up to wrongs we have committed. Sunday morning feels like a chance to start over, a chance to get centered before the week begins. I hope this Sunday continues to feel that way. I'm going to wear my new shoes. That is also very exciting.
I think today I will reward my work on my Celtic paper by allowing myself to start readiing the 4 binders of info I have been given for my upcoming job. The closer this job gets, the more I believe I can handle it, and I'm excited to try. This is a new adventure for me--the private sector--but I am not afraid. My new boss is setting up a meeting for my colleagues and me sometime within the next couple of weeks, just a little get-together after work so that I have a chance to say hello outside the busy workplace.
My husband and I bought a treadmill yesterday. We got one from Walmart that had a great price, and since we could just put it in his jeep, we didn't have to pay the astronomical shipping one would otherwise pay for a treadmill. We set it up and tried it out. I jogged at least 1.5 miles and power walked somewhere over half a mile, and my husband jogged/walked 1.5 miles. He's in worse shape than I am, but of course since he is male the weight will just melt off him. We both found it significantly easier to exercise when it's right in the living room--just turn on a show you like and hop on! There's no gym bag to park, no parking to find, no locker room showers, no losing your gym card...just throw on your workout clothes, gym shoes, work out, and get in the shower. I like it. It also gives me the excuse to shower at night. I have always hated morning showers, and I hate them extra now because there is one bathroom between the two of us and we have to be out the door at the same time. My new plan is to shower at night, post-running, and then wet my hair in the morning and style as usual. This also means I don't have to do my routine of letting my lotion soak in for 15 minutes before I get dressed. I think my mornings should be much more pleasant and quicker from now on. Also, that lovely sore feeling reminds me to take care of my body. As I said before, if I put junk in my body, it will affect my skin (and hair, and butt, and everything else), so I need to take care of myself.
My new job begins at 8 am. Eight!!!! I'll have to scoot out the door at seven, which will put me there around 7:30, but if I leave at 7:15, I'll arrive at 8. I'd rather not sit in the car an extra 15 minutes. If I get to work early, I can grab a cup of coffee and get situated before beginning my day. During my six-month training period I hope to knock their socks off with how quickly I learn. There's another Harvard undergrad who will be working alongside me, so I now know who the Joneses are work-wise. It'll be nice to have someone to go through the program with but I've got to make sure and be better than he is if I am to be promoted as quickly as I intend. I don't do things half-way, and I want to give this my all.
Well, my husband is up and in the shower, so I'd better down this cup of coffee and get ready for church.
In any case, Sunday morning feels like some kind of cleansing to me. It is time to take care of our spirituality, to nurture our relationship with God, and to face up to wrongs we have committed. Sunday morning feels like a chance to start over, a chance to get centered before the week begins. I hope this Sunday continues to feel that way. I'm going to wear my new shoes. That is also very exciting.
I think today I will reward my work on my Celtic paper by allowing myself to start readiing the 4 binders of info I have been given for my upcoming job. The closer this job gets, the more I believe I can handle it, and I'm excited to try. This is a new adventure for me--the private sector--but I am not afraid. My new boss is setting up a meeting for my colleagues and me sometime within the next couple of weeks, just a little get-together after work so that I have a chance to say hello outside the busy workplace.
My husband and I bought a treadmill yesterday. We got one from Walmart that had a great price, and since we could just put it in his jeep, we didn't have to pay the astronomical shipping one would otherwise pay for a treadmill. We set it up and tried it out. I jogged at least 1.5 miles and power walked somewhere over half a mile, and my husband jogged/walked 1.5 miles. He's in worse shape than I am, but of course since he is male the weight will just melt off him. We both found it significantly easier to exercise when it's right in the living room--just turn on a show you like and hop on! There's no gym bag to park, no parking to find, no locker room showers, no losing your gym card...just throw on your workout clothes, gym shoes, work out, and get in the shower. I like it. It also gives me the excuse to shower at night. I have always hated morning showers, and I hate them extra now because there is one bathroom between the two of us and we have to be out the door at the same time. My new plan is to shower at night, post-running, and then wet my hair in the morning and style as usual. This also means I don't have to do my routine of letting my lotion soak in for 15 minutes before I get dressed. I think my mornings should be much more pleasant and quicker from now on. Also, that lovely sore feeling reminds me to take care of my body. As I said before, if I put junk in my body, it will affect my skin (and hair, and butt, and everything else), so I need to take care of myself.
My new job begins at 8 am. Eight!!!! I'll have to scoot out the door at seven, which will put me there around 7:30, but if I leave at 7:15, I'll arrive at 8. I'd rather not sit in the car an extra 15 minutes. If I get to work early, I can grab a cup of coffee and get situated before beginning my day. During my six-month training period I hope to knock their socks off with how quickly I learn. There's another Harvard undergrad who will be working alongside me, so I now know who the Joneses are work-wise. It'll be nice to have someone to go through the program with but I've got to make sure and be better than he is if I am to be promoted as quickly as I intend. I don't do things half-way, and I want to give this my all.
Well, my husband is up and in the shower, so I'd better down this cup of coffee and get ready for church.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Saturday
Today is the unofficial kickoff of yard sale season. I had every plan to go--even got dressed early for it--until my husband asked me what we wanted at a garage sale, being that we ourselves are trying to get rid of our stuff. I thought, and thought, and finally came up with, "a rake. I want a rake." Apparently this answer wasn't good enough, so here I am, lazing around on a Saturday morning. We also plan to get a new dining table for our eat-in-kitchen, but we will likely purchase that new or off craigslist. The new prices aren't much more expensive than the used prices for good furniture, and we know exactly what we want. We prefer the tables that are higher than the average table--I believe they are called "cafe style." We found it at Jordan's and Bernie and Phyl's within a reasonable price range. Here's a picture of one we like.Someone is coming in half an hour to give me an estimate on rebuilding the retaining wall and stairs down to the basement. We've got to get that done, but we also want to do it cheaply. There's no sense in building a gorgeous retaining wall fit for Desperate Housewives homes when our house simply isn't of that caliber. I think our realtor called it "over-improvement." It's a waste of money. I hope the guy who comes to give us the estimate understands our predicament--we want it to look nice, and we're willing to pay for installation and such, but we have no intention of using fancy rocks or anything else that the large companies want us to use. When I mentioned the type of blocks I was interested in to the large companies, I got quite a bit of scoffing. When I mentioned the blocks I want to this guy, he said, "Oh yeah, they look good, they are the least expensive of the lot, and if installed well, the wall will last forever. Great choice." Quite a different response, and I hope this attitude of his continues right on to the price given in the estimate. Our alternative is to try to do it ourselves (ick!).
This Thursday is the annual council dinner for my husband's work. Last year a flag fell and missed my head by inches, shattering my plate and surprising the heck outta me. I didn't know what to do so I just sat there, then laughed. Apparently this made a good impression on the rest of the Scout executives. Then we went on a dinner cruise for Christmas with the council executives, and the dancing in the center dance area got a bit crazy. By the end of the night I had led them all in the Thriller dance (not that hard to learn, just line up and follow me!) and had gotten the old execs to mix with the young execs by encouraging all the wives to boogey with me. By the end of the night, I remembered that this was an event for "work," and hoped I hadn't blown my husband's chances of promotion by my enthusiasm on the dance floor. I had also sat next to the new head honcho during dinner and had lots of fun conversation with him and his wife. They are delightful people with six--SIX--boys!!!! In any case, my husband said everyone had a blast with me, so I refuse to be embarrassed in retrospect. I am looking forward to seeing everybody again at the dinner. I hope we sit next to Pete, who has swum with sharks and has lots of stories about sharks. I loooooooove getting scared by shark stories.
Got my facial yesterday. It was absolutely lovely!!!!!!!! I am absolutely, positively going back before graduation. I only got a half-hour facial because it was free, but I plan to get the hour long facial next time. It is absolutely worth the money, and if I have any extra spending money, I want to collect their skin care line as I am able. I always feel guilty about spending money when I should give it to charity or the church, but I also want to take care of myself. I don't get massages, I don't get manicures or pedicures more than once a year, but I do want better skin. I need to take care of it. The better my skin is, the less I have to mess with makeup, and that is HUGE for me because no foundation will properly match my freckled skin. Also, I had a revelation while I was getting my facial. The more crap I put in my body, the more crap will come out my pores. If I want my skin to look better, I had better give my body better nutrition. I started by eating a salad for lunch, and I intend to continue. Today we are also picking up a treadmill. I'm not sure what my running regimen will be, but I've got to start one. I'm thinking of 1.5 miles of jogging a day. ??? Not sure.
It would sure be nice if I could feel confident and fit by graduation. I don't expect to be in the shape I was in college, with my hours of training every day, but it would be nice to be a bit fitter. I need to get a goal in mind, but I don't have one yet.
My husband's out of the shower so I'm going to gab with him.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Shoes
What is it about sexy pumps that makes a girl feel like a grownup lady? I just bought two pairs for work and I can't wait to wear them everywhere!!!! I hope I become one of those women who can wear heels on an everyday basis. My feet are a dainty narrow 7 and my legs aren't shabby either, so I would love to learn to show them off more.
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