Finally Freon - Take 2

Okay, so turning on the A/C didn't turn out well.

My friends arrived, but it wasn't really getting any cooler in the house and when I finally sat down to join them for libations, I felt HOT air coming out of the vents. Hmmm . . . some thing's wrong with that.

But then a few minutes later it turned "cool" (I use that term very loosely) and so we continued our conversation. Another few minutes later, HOT air. Then COOL. Then HOT. Then COOL. UGH!

So when they left, I gave up and opened the windows again and to my relief (and the critters), the place cooled down naturally.

The next morning, I got up and decided to throw the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. There were enough of them to justify it (I normally hand wash) so I placed everything in the dishwasher, add the detergent, and turn on the dishwasher. Nothing happens. HUH? I try again. Still nothing. Oh brother!

So the morning before I am to leave on my two week vacation my A/C and my dishwasher are broken. Needless to say, I make a call to my property management immediately.

In spite of my previous adventures with my property management, they sent the A/C guy out right away. Turns out, the thermostat was doing something funny (duh) and the HEAT was turning on! I wasn't losing my marbles after all. So he goes out to buy a new thermostat - a programmable, energy saving one God love him! - and fixes the problem. But the air still isn't very cold.

So he investigates some more and sure enough - the A/C needed freon as well! So the home is finally has freon for real.

I'm still waiting on the dishwasher.

Finally Freon

Today I finally broke down and turned on the AC. In fact, I turned it on no more than 10 minutes ago.

I debated not turning it on, but in the end decided it was time for a couple of reasons. The first reason being that friends are coming over tonight for margaritas and snacks and it might be more pleasant for them (the heat bothers them a lot more than it does me); the second reason being I am leaving for my vacation on Saturday and I figured ultimately having the house closed up and the air on would be easier for my pet-sitter. No rain blowing in to worry about, no animals too hot to worry about, etc.

I actually like not using the AC. I like just the fans going and the windows open - even in the heat we've been having the past few days. And I'm pretty sure the cats prefer it. They can lounge on nearly any window sill in the house (and there are about 25 of them). Even Bea will lounge happily on a sill next to Henry. I worry this new change will upset the new balance the cats have found, but oh well. I can be pretty certain Zoe will be happier!

Getting Back in the Swing of Things

Today, I went for run #2 with the new shoes. Getting back in the swing of things is always very difficult for me. My body protests, my mind protests, and I wonder why I continue to be a glutton for punishment. Experience tells me, however, that the pain of starting will change to the pain of getting better and stronger and eventually it will mostly disappear. That's why I begin again.

So Zoe and I went to explore the Galloway Trail. It's GREAT! I like it much better than the South Creek Trail because there is shade most of the trail (that we explored anyway), the mileage is marked along the route, and it's a little prettier, too. No surprise, it was also busier, but aside from having to keep Zoe on her leash, I prefer it busier. There is a camaraderie among trail users, especially runners, and I like feeling connected that way.

I had trouble finding the trail head in my car, so I eventually I just stopped at a pool that wasn't open yet and parked in their lot. From the lot I could see the trail. As it turns out, we were only a half-mile from the start of the trail so we just took off from there. It was pleasant winding our way along the creek. Now, today was harder than Monday because I was not only sore from Sunday's run, but also because I did the movement warm-up I do with my students for the first time since probably late April. Ouch.

Regardless, Zoe and I ran along stopping occasionally for Zoe to take a dip in the creek. We turned around at a really lovely park, which has bathrooms (hurrah!), and returned to the car. We followed the trail a little past where we were parked so I could figure out where I had gone wrong in finding the start and then hopped in the car and went to look for it. This time I located it without any trouble. So when we go for our run on Friday, we'll start at the proper start. It's nice to know we can park at other places on the route, too, in case we need a change of scenery.

We then returned home for breakfast and coffee.

I'm actually enjoying coffee this morning from a local coffeehouse called Kaldi's. My new home town has a number of quality coffeehouses; I discovered this one while still waiting on my furniture. But I finally broke down and bought a pound of the "natural high" coffee yesterday.

I ran a bunch of errands yesterday and made some really great discoveries along the way. I stopped at the Brown Derby International Wine Center for the first time. It's about a mile from my house and though there are lots of Brown Derby's in town, this is the BIG ONE. It has the most amazing selection of wines as well as any other beverage you could want. AND it has a cheese shop! I tried a combination of sage and blue that is to die for and vowed I would get some after my vacation. They also carry one of my favorite, but hard to find, crackers - American Vintage Wine Biscuits. Yummy! I could spend a bundle in this place, let me tell you!

I also stopped at Akin's, a natural food store in town and just down the road from Kaldi's. When you're in a town too small for a Whole Foods or Trader Joes, you have to look for your replacement. Well, this will work for me in most ways! It's very small, but packed full of great things and very helpful. I have recently had a severe outbreak of recurring hives (it seems to be seasonal, but who the hell knows what the cause is?) and after I see my acupuncturist in DC, I'll be heading to Akin's for my herbs.

So, yes, I'm settling in and finding the things that will help me call this place home for the year. It's nice to get back in the swing of things.

Fun Along the Way

In spite of a the trials and tribulations of my move (incompetent and destructive movers, a roach infested house, multiple tornadoes, and ticks), I have managed to have some fun along the way.

Zoe and I have been exploring the Ozark Greenways. We've managed to get to the South Creek trail regularly and, of course, the infamous Sac River Trail. I'm looking forward to getting to some others now that we're running again, especially the Galloway Creek Trail which runs by the nature conservation center.

A couple of weeks ago, I had dinner with some friends and then we went to the local Shakespeare Festival at Jordan Valley Park. We saw a production of Midsummer, directed by one of my new colleagues (let's call her Blondie 'cause she has the BEST hair). It was a lovely night and we had a good time. And last weekend I drove to St. Louis for their Shakespeare Festival and to catch up with the Fight Guy (he, of course, did the fights). It was a haul, and the parking was a pain in the ass, but ultimately worth it because I connected with the AD there, chatted with the Fight Guy, and saw a decent rendition of Richard III. Plus, it was a stunning evening.

And already my social life is much better than in the Wasteland. My first week in town, Blondie invited me to join her, her husband, and a friend of theirs from out of town for sushi (I'm blanking on the name, but will be sure to link it when I remember) and then the girls went to see the Sex and the City Movie. Last week, I met up with a Blondie and another colleague (we'll call her Ed) at the Mud Lounge in our funky little downtown. The bar reminds me of several DC bars due to its hardwood floors and exposed brick walls. We just ordered drinks (and their pours are generous!), but I hear the fondue is fab and I imagine I'll be back there regularly . . . or at least until the students return and take over the place. Still, one of my colleagues said that they don't really get there until late so maybe I can enjoy the place all year if I'm early enough. And on Saturday, I invited Blondie and her husband over for margaritas and snacks. We enjoyed two pitchers before we joined yet another colleague (we'll call him Movement Man) and his wife at the Galloway Station for more alcohol and snacks. Galloway Station has a great patio that reminds me of lots of places in Tucson. Those who know me know I adore outdoor seating!

So, here's to more fun along the way - I'm hoping I'll enjoy a year of it!

Be Prepared

While still waiting on my furniture a couple of weeks ago, Zoe and I found the Sac River Trail. Now, I grew up with a father and brother involved in the Boy Scouts and I was a Girl Scout for a time. I have gone on lots of hikes and camped a decent amount in my lifetime. I am very aware of the Scout Motto: Be Prepared. However, as I got out of the car at the trail head, I realized I arrived without a trail guide, without a hat, without bug repellent, and in my "good" running shoes. Did this stop me from continuing? Hell no. We got out of the car and set off, Zoe leading the way off leash and thrilled to be exploring. We started on a trail that followed the river (or at least a tributary of it?) and I decided that would be how we would keep track of where we were . . . just follow the river. The problem arose when we CROSSED the river and then before I knew it the river was completely gone. I figured, okay, just keep following the dog and we'll be fine.

It was fun tramping along. The trails were oddly quiet and Zoe was clearly in her element so I just kept going. But then it got hot. And buggy. And it had been raining like CRAZY the day before we went so places along the trail were all mud.

Time passed . . . and passed . . . and I finally decided we needed to find our way back to the car as it was no longer really fun and I was getting hungry. So I figured out which way was south (we were heading north when we started our journey) and believed eventually we would find the route out.

Sure enough, we stumbled along the river again. WHEW. But then I hit a nasty patch of mud and fell INTO it. UGH. I was covered in mud and my shoes nearly disappeared in it. Well, that's no big deal, right? It's wasn't until I felt a tickle on my wrist and noticed a tick planning on a meal there that it became a big deal. It was very small, but clearly a tick and I managed to pull it off me before it became embedded.

When we passed a little tributary, I rinsed much of the mud off my leg and finally encountered some folks on the trail. They were, of course, in long pants, wearing hats and carrying water, and suggested to me that I get a walking stick as the rocks can be slippery. Well, after one fall in the mud, what's a little water? But surely they were better prepared than I was in every way.

As we worked our way out of the woods and into the full sunlight, I looked down at my legs and saw lots of little "spots" - it looked like mud splatter but having just pulled a tick off me, I knew better. Sure enough, those spatters were all ticks - I was COVERED in itty-bitty ticks (upon further research, they would have been in the larval stage - the one on my wrist was probably nymph stage). UGH. So I began removing them before they could really get a strong hold.

Fortunately, Zoe gets her monthly flea & tick treatment so she was all set.

Eventually, I believed I had gotten all of them and Zoe and I climbed back in the car. Along the way home, I stopped at a Panera Bread for breakfast and checked myself again in the bathroom . . . naturally I removed a few more I had missed. Oh dear.

Of course, when I got home, I did a full inspection and was tick-free. But my shoes were TRASHED and I was stinky from the mud, water, and sweat. The trail had licked me. THIS TIME.

I'm sure Zoe and I will return to the trail. Only next time, I'm going to be prepared.

New Running Shoes

Hurrah! I have new running shoes!

Yup, yesterday I finally sucked it up and went to the local running store and purchased my much needed new shoes.

I love local running stores. They are far better than going to a major chain because they're really knowledgeable about the sport and they are your best link to what's happening in the region. I picked up several race brochures and hope to even run one or two of them. Plus, they have information on local running groups, so if I need some help training I know where to go!

And this place was even better because the young man selling me my shoes didn't automatically try to fit my into the most expensive shoe. He was really working with me to find the best shoe for me. Does that ever happen at your major chain stores?

He started fitting me in Ascics because all of my shoes for probably the past 8 years have been Ascics. But he also included the comparable shoe of other companies and lo and behold I have returned to Saucony! I'm really surprised, but they honestly felt better and after all the trouble I had this past year, I'm willing to jump ship and see if I can stay healthy in a new shoe.

This morning, I gave them their first test drive with Zoe. We had a good run. I never know with Zoe . . . she's been semi-retired as a running partner now for a couple of years so it's always a risk, but since I wanted to start out slow I decided to bring her along.

Now, I meant to head to the South Creek Trail which is just over a mile from my new house and one that Zoe and I walk nearly every day. It offers Zoe some swim time which is required along the way and she can be off leash much of it. But Zoe in her stubborn way demanded we go a different way. If fact, we took a way we have never been. Normally we'll walk north or south, leading eventually to the aforementioned trail or to Phelps Grove Park. But today, Zoe insisted we travel EAST - brand new direction for us. So off we went and she ran along happily as long as she controlled where we were headed. We ran through a hospital campus (avoiding construction along the way) and eventually found our way to the Springfield National Cemetery. Now, having lived in DC and in my last two years there spent a great deal of time at Congressional Cemetery, I was curious. So we entered and ran around the main area. As it turns out, the cemetery is split up and in between the two grounds is yet another cemetery, Hazelwood Cemetery. So Zoe and I decided to investigate - in spite of the "no pets" sign at the entrance. Now don't worry, folks, I kept her leashed and on the road.

So we wandered around there for a while and I could tell Zoe was starting to feel the heat. So we headed home.

I couldn't tell you how far we ran. I don't even know how long we ran, except that I think it was over an hour. It sure felt good to get out and explore my new town this way. So leg permitting, I'm looking forward to my regular running routine again. I'll feel better, I'll get to know my town a little better, and I can eat all the Ben & Jerry's singles I want!

Uh oh . . .

Ben & Jerry's makes individual size servings of their ice cream!

This may be old news, but it's new and dangerous news to me. I discovered the less-than-pint-sized cartons of heaven at my new grocery store and as I have no will power, I purchased two. One is still in my freezer. It won't last the weekend.

I better get those new running shoes and start working out again. Not only do I have a race coming up in October, but I sense between the hot ice cream man and the cold singles of Cherry Garcia in my fridge it will be a summer of more than my usual share of ice cream. I need to get back into my workout routine!

Until then, uh oh.

Recycling Runs

Well, I'll admit what Anonymous commented on my last entry is true . . . things are complicated when it comes to environmental issues. And I don't imagine my lawn mower is a perfect solution to a huge problem . . . not hardly. Even little steps forward I consider positive and so just cutting down on noise pollution is a small step in the right direction.

That in mind, moving to my new home town has been a fascinating study in garbage. When I lived in the Wasteland, I was horrified at what I saw people putting curbside to throw away. In that town, you put it out, the garbage collectors will take it away . . . so it makes people lazy about their garbage. In DC, the cans were small and they wouldn't take big items so you had to find another option and PERHAPS that meant more people donated their gently used goods or sold them online or had a yard sale. Still better options than right to the dump. At least in both towns they had curbside recycling.

Not in my new home town - oh no! In fact, the city isn't in charge of garbage here like every other place I've lived. Here, you have to find a private waste collector to take your garbage and if you're lucky, they'll offer recycling for an extra fee. And because it isn't EASY and costs more (really, the fee is small), I see loads of plastic, paper, and glass filling the 96 gallon garbage bins curbside. It makes me sick.

So I called my garbage collector to ask about what they offer in recycling. Fortunately, they do offer it, but UNFORTUNATELY they take very little in the way of recyclables. Only plastics 1 & 2, paper (no cardboard), aluminum, and glass. Better than nothing for sure, but not as extensive as even the Wasteland.

So I started checking around and there is a recycling hotline here which is great. I called and found out they have several recycling centers in town and they take pretty much everything except Styrofoam. So I decided to do it the "hard way" and make my own recycling runs.

First I needed some bins, and I found some great stackable bins that hold a lot at one of the myriad of superstores in town. I got three and they sit neatly in my kitchen and collect my recyclable stuff. It's amazing how quickly they fill up and how slowly my garbage bag fills up.

So after all my unpacking (I had a TON of damaged boxes and stuffing paper to get rid of, as well as over two weeks worth of plastic and glass), yesterday I decided to get rid of it all. I packed up my new car and though it holds a LOT, I couldn't get it all in so I knew I needed to take two trips.

I'll be honest. I figured I would be nearly the only one at the center mid-day on a Wednesday. I had little hope this town cared much based on the garbage bins I pass on my daily walks with Zoe. Was I ever pleasantly surprised when I saw at least 10 other vehicles there whose owners were unloading their beer cans, wine bottles, newspapers, and yard waste. I felt like the Grinch when his heart grew three times! Seriously . . . I was thrilled.

So I unloaded the tons of broken down boxes and packing paper and got back in my car to return again. I was so pleased with how easily the bins unstacked even full and fit into my car with the last of the paper and boxes. And off I went for another recycling run.

Once again, the place was busy with all sorts of folks taking care of their mother earth in their own small ways. And who knew eye candy would be present as a bonus? Yup, one hot man was unloading his truck. Does the heart good.

Now Anonymous might argue that the gas burned by all these folks getting to the center is a waste and he's right. It would make more sense to have curbside recycling as extensive as the center. It would make sense to have MANDATORY curbside recycling or your garbage won't be picked up. Portland, Maine, has a great system: you have to BUY your garbage bags but your recycling bags are free. Damn if I wouldn't try to fill those free bags first!

I get the issue is complicated or complex. But once again, it's the small things that make me feel as if I'm doing my part. I ride my bike to work weather permitting, I still have my house open to fresh air and it's almost July, and I make recycling runs. It's truly the least I can do.

Yard Work Out

So after two and a half weeks of dragging my heels about my yard - do I hire a service or buy a new mower? - I made my decision. It wasn't a tough decision really after I called several lawn service companies and was quoted anywhere from $25 - 40 per visit. ACK. No way. So I chose a new mower.

From there I had my work cut out for me. I am not a fan of lawn mowers. They are very bad for the environment, loud, and require too much maintenance. Now I knew about electric mowers, I have seen them in action, but my yard is too cut up and the only outside outlet I have is actually in the garage, so that wasn't going to be practical.

Then my father told me about CORDLESS electric mowers. What? I had never heard of such a thing! How exciting! So I did some research online and found the Black & Decker CMM 1200 was pretty highly rated and sounded perfect for me! It's electric but battery operated so there's not cord to worry about, virtually maintenance free, and quiet as mowers go. FABULOUS!

So I called around and found it at a local Lowe's. It wasn't cheap - oh no! - but I figured without buying gas and the annual tune-ups and all that, it would work out in the end. Besides, the environment is worth it!

So I picked it up, brought it home, and put it together so it could charge overnight.

This afternoon, I decided to alleviate my neighbors' fears and sideways glances and finally mow. And let me tell you, this little baby - that looks like a TOY - is TERRIFIC! I LOVE IT! It was easy to start, and hummed along nicely the entire time. It delivered everything as promised and when I finished, I wiped it down and plugged it back in for next time.

There is just ONE thing. It doesn't help you propel it like most modern gas mowers do. And though my yard is quite flat, it's still one hell of a work out. Of course, the grass was VERY high so I imagine next time will be a little easier, but still . . . I can feel the work in my arms and back. But it's a GOOD feeling. Really. Not only am I making my lawn look nicer without hurting the environment, I'm getting solid exercise.

I can live with that.

Tomorrow's yard work out? Weeding to plant flowers!

Dumb and Dumber

No, I am not referring to the silly movie with Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels. I am referring to my movers.

Yes, it was a trying move to say the least and unfortunately, my dealings with Dumb and Dumber Moving Company are not over. It's too bad because my impression of them prior to getting here was very good. The salesman was excellent, the price was cheaper than the competition, and my movers that moved me out were rock stars. Seriously, I was so pleased.

Then I got here.

And these are the lowlights:

-I waited (or wasted) 8 days for them to deliver my furniture when I was promised 5.
-On day 4, I called for the umpteenth time to get a delivery date and the woman I spoke to said she still didn't have one. What? Okay, so I started to get a little angry and basically said, "Are you waiting for somebody else to move to Missouri to share a truck with me?" Well, that put a little fire under her backside and after sitting on hold for a million years she came back with a delivery date. Hmmm.
-So the movers arrive as promised in a small truck (HMMM) and start unloading. The first thing to greet me is a BROKEN wood plant stand that had been my grandmother's.
-Then the movers aren't reading the boxes for "fragile" or "this side up" or "do not stack" they are just dumping and running.
-Then one of the movers asks me why I have two box springs. Excuse me? I DON'T have two box springs. Sure enough, they've delivered me somebody else's box spring . . . but no mattress. Fortunately they locate that buried on the truck.
-They continue to carelessly unload and I notice that things that had been carefully wrapped by the Illinois movers were no longer so carefully wrapped. HMMMMMM.
-Then they try to tell me they have to leave . . . without having put everything back together that had been taken apart by the movers to be wrapped by them. NO WAY. I put my foot down and said they needed to do rebuild my desk, a book shelf, my bed, put the TV where it belongs, and put the grill together.
-So I check on the bed . . . no bed frame. EXCUSE ME? Sure enough, the bed frame is missing. How does THAT happen? Maybe it's at the house of the poor box spring person.
-Then I check on the desk - loose - and the bookshelf - also loose - and the grill . . . it's missing a leg. Just one! I am clearly dealing with idiots here. It doesn't seem like much, but as the grill is a charcoal grill on a TRIPOD of legs, one missing renders the grill unusable!
-So as the movers are driving away from my house I am on the phone to start complaining. I am told they will look in the warehouse and get back to me in two days. On day THREE, I call them and am put on hold for 20 minutes before I even get to speak to anybody. When I finally do speak to somebody, I am put on hold AGAIN . . . and after 10 minutes I hang up and call back . . . to be put on hold again. UGH. Eventually I am told that there is nothing there I am looking for and I need to file a complaint. Oh joy.
-So over the next couple of days, as I unpack, I tally up my complaints and the count is (this is only complaints about STUFF, not service): one missing bed frame, one missing grill leg, one bent bike (yup, BENT), one bent patio table, one broken plant stand, and one broken antique lamp. The antique lamp is a big deal . . . the broke the switch right off and it cannot be fixed by me or even the hardware guy. I have to take it to a special place . . . and the hardware guy estimated it would cost upwards of $400 or more to fix it. I am heartbroken as it was my grandparent's floor lamp.

Oh Dumb and Dumber are going to pay. And pay big.

And if they don't . . . they can read all about themselves online and at the Better Business Bureau.

'Cause unlike the movie (or like the movie depending on your taste), this Dumb and Dumber is no laughing matter.

Plugged In

Well I am finally "plugged in" at my new home and so happy! I no longer need to go to the library to check my e-mail (though I still plan on visiting regularly).

It is amazing how isolated I feel without Internet service at home. Though my phone was a good temporary substitute, there is nothing like sitting down to a full size keyboard and looking at a full size screen while surfing or connecting with friends. And frankly, the phone wasn't 100% reliable when it came to e-mail.

Maybe it's just the move and all but being far away from friends and family doesn't get easier over time . . . it gets harder for me. I look forward to checking my e-mail every day and reading friends' blogs. And quite often I am able to IM with friends which feels nearly like talking on the phone with them.

Speaking of which, I broke down and go a land line again. I just had to . . . I was WAY over my minutes the past two months on my cell and the bills are killer. The land line is UNLIMITED long distance and that makes me wildly happy knowing I can talk to my friends as long as I like (or as long as they'll put up with me) and not worry about the bill. The phone doesn't arrive for another week though.

So until then . . . it's e-mail, IMs, and blogs. Three cheers for being plugged in!

It Figures

The movers are coming soon and it's pouring rain. It figures.

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I Sream You Scream We All Scream . . .

for the ice cream man! The past few nights I have heard that familiar clang clang clang of a favorite childhood memory. I've heard the neighborhood kids running after the sound for their ice cream sandwiches and bomb pops (my personal choice). Out of nostalgia I peered out the window and OH MY! This is not your momma's ice cream man! It's not even mine (at least not as I recall). Here was a strapping, dark, handsome 20-something behind the wheel wearing, I swear it, Foster Grants! HOTTY! And he wasn't driving some dorky old truck; no this tasty treat was driving a red Jeep Wrangler with the top down and the ice cream cooler propped up where the back seat normally lives! Seriously, I might become an episode of Desperate Housewives - who am I kidding? - a SEASON and chase this guy down nightly. Of course, unlike the ladies of DH, I'd get fat! Still, I've been craving a little ice cream . . . man.

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Losing My Patience

I am sitting at home waiting . . . just waiting. Waiting for the rain to stop, waiting for the moving company to call, waiting for my property mgmt to call, and waiting for the exterminator to arrive. It's anybody's guess which will happen first and frankly I'm not holding my breath for any. And I'm losing my patience.

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Library Days

Libraries are underrated. It's true. I know how we all dread them as students and certainly as a professor I have my moments . . . but there is nothing like a public library.

As I am still in limbo on the furniture and won't get connected until everything arrives, I decided I needed to visit the library in my new home town.

Holy Cow! Libraries have CHANGED. Okay, so maybe the Library Center I went to yesterday was especially nice. It was clearly NEW, and as we're in suburbia it was exceptionally clean, there were a TON of computers and lo and behold their library programs have really evolved! I mean, I'm actually considering attending a bunch of the programs!

The Center has a coffeehouse in it - a particularly popular coffeehouse that began downtown. And another branch has a freakin' Panera Bread in it! And a third branch has a different coffeehouse. Nuts! I don't remeber being able to order a frozen coffee drink at MY library.

I also love that I can check out 50 books if I wanted to. I mean, that's silly that I would, but pretty cool. Plus, I can check out DVDs for FREE (too bad Blockbuster!) and CDs for FREE (hello iTunes!) and work in a surprisingly quiet environment for a public place. There was a brief episode yesterday when a man was being KICKED OUT of the library - oh the drama! - and chose some colorful words with which to exit.

I checked out three books to help me make some progress on my directing project next spring. Yeah, thrilling isn't it that I took out three books on Greek Tragedy? Still, I'm excited to have something productive to do.

So here I sit and enjoy my local library. If you haven't visited yours lately, it's time to reacquaint yourself.

Welcome to Tornado Alley

So, in my last post I mentioned my move has been . . . eventful. Well, it doesn't stop at the move itself. Since I've been here I feel I am battling Biblical elements.

The first event came the second night of my stay - ROACHES. Okay, so I saw a few earlier during the day, but Henry and I took care of them. No worries. I put roach motels on my "to buy" list and that evening settled into bed without a care in the world. I might remind you that since I'm still waiting on my furniture, I am sleeping on an air mattress on the floor. This is an important detail, I think.

So it must be about 2AM and I feel this tickle on my arm that is clearly not a cat. It is nearly pitch black in the house, but I throw my covers off and, though I am not certain, believe a roach was just thrown onto the floor. EUW. I tentatively search for my slippers and then more boldly search for the clicker light I found in the closet earlier that day (cause I have no lamps either). I find it, and sure enough, gross roach desperately seeking cover under the air mattress. EUW EUW EUW!

Well, Henry's got it covered but I still need to get rid of it so I seek out some paper towels using the clicker light as a flashlight. I find some and we get rid of the foul thing and I debate getting back into bed. I mean, GROSS. And where there is one roach, there are probably hundreds.

Still, it's 2AM and I'm tired so I carefully go through my covers and sheets and as all is clear I crawl back into bed.

Around 5AM something else is crawling in the bed, too. And then on my HAIR! GROSS GROSS GROSS!!!! Another roach! I get rid of this one, too, and naturally avoid returning to bed.

The next day, yesterday, I call my new property management and say I need an exterminator pronto. Well, pronto isn't a word they apparently know but at least one will get here at some point. So I run out and buy a load of roach motels, place them around the house, and last night I carefully go to bed.

At midnight I am awakened again. Only this time not by a creepy crawly but by a siren.

HUH? OH YEAH . . . I remember these. It's a tornado siren. SHIT, it's a tornado siren!!! I leap out of bed and realize I have no basement. Now what? In my stupor, I recall something about bathrooms so, again using that clicker light as a flashlight, I miraculously manage to gather the animals, Zoe's bed, and my phone and run into the bathroom. It is HOT and STILL and I begin to worry that I can't open the window (it has been sealed shut along with many other windows - go figure. Also on the property management's "to do" list). And then I remember something about windows exploding and I access the weather channel on my phone. Lo and behold I am to stay away from windows and this bathroom has a HUGE one. So, my clicker light and I run out to my room to gather the cat crates, wrestle the cats in, and then get the gang and Zoe's bed into my laundry room/pantry. It is in the middle of the house with no windows and a sliding door so at least I can crack the door to get some air in there. The sirens are wailing and the critters are complaining but I steadfastly stay put. I am reading the warnings and seeing the map images figuring it would be just my luck to have the house spin away a la Dorothy Gale style upon my arrival. I have never been more happy to have my cell phone with Internet. Seriously. It was a great source of information.

An hour later the crying of the sirens stopped and the weather channel canceled the warning. Whew. We could go back to sleep.

And so we did. And this morning, I woke up to another roach.

Welcome to tornado alley!

New Digs

Yup. I have new digs. Aren't they pretty?

So I made the move but OH MY it has been eventful. And why shouldn't it? It's MY life. :)

So I got the car but of course that took away some of my time to prep for my parents' arrival. I did manage to get through all my JUNK prior to their coming so that all that was in the house was, for the most part, going to be packed.

My parents were real troopers, I'll tell you. They were with me for 3.5 days and without them I would have been lost. Seriously, I would have NEVER been ready to make the move. They labored all day for each of their days until 5pm when I MADE them quit to join me for a glass of wine. I think that was a good move.

We managed to work very well together. Basically, we worked in three separate areas each day and by the time they left, I had all the last minute, pain in the ass stuff to prep or pack.

The movers arrived two hours EARLY - ACK! Fortunately, they realized they came to the wrong house and said they would return at the planned time. Whew.

So I hustled around to get the last of the packing done and they arrived right on time. Though I had crated Bea, I hadn't yet snagged Henry and we all had a moment of panic thinking he bolted out the door. Fortunately, he was just hiding and was located without much time wasted. I threw him in the attic with the rest of the stuff not going in the truck and the movers were off! I mean, WOW, they raced through my house and in two hours had my life out of the house and in the truck.

So I was left with cleaning and packing a car. UGH. I hate cleaning nearly as much as I hate packing! As the movers were clearing out my rooms, I managed to vacuum and steam clean the rugs so I could pack both machines on the truck. At least that was done and I closed those rooms off. I had cleaned the attic the night before (even though that's where I threw Henry, yes) so I felt good about that space. Now I had to tackle the basement (laundry room and bathroom included), kitchen (oven, fridge, floors, and cabinets) and living room (floors and fireplace). Kill me now was all I could think. I was exhausted but managed to get the basement done. That was it. OH - and I managed to spray the easy off in the oven.

Then I ate some dinner, watched a movie on my computer (I can't even recall what I picked up, but have a vague memory of really enjoying it) and collapsed on my dog's bed in the attic because I was too tired to get the air mattress set up.

Early Saturday morning I got started cleaning right away. My parents said to go easy and not worry about a spotless place. It was gross when I moved in, I would certainly be leaving it cleaner. But in spite of her words, my mother's actions are very different and after all I am her daughter.

So I cleaned and cleaned and cleaned stopping only for a cold pop-tart and some left over juice. When the cleaning was finally done, I could drop off the last of the recycling and focus on packing the car.

Now, my new wheels are GREAT, but still they are NEW and I had no idea of how to pack it. So it took some time to fit everything just right but I finally did it (minus the aforementioned mop, bucket, and cleaner) and was getting the hell out of Dodge! No wait. I had to stop for some lunch. I got it to go and was at last leaving the Wasteland! It was 2:20 pm. SIGH. Still, six hours later I would be in my new town, resting in my hotel room on a nice bed, looking forward to seeing my new house.

The first four hours of the drive were uneventful. The critters slept and though I was tired, I was in heaven to be moving forward. Then Zoe woke up and made my life hell. She pawed at me and tried to move forward and then finally launched herself forward towards the front (no room here, thank you!) and it took all of my concentration to stay on the road. Of course, she was standing IN the plants I had so carefully tended to and placed on the floor. UGH. I pushed her back, and she finally went back to her seat toppling plants as she went and clearly unhappy. A few minutes lady she launched forward again so I let her stay there until the next exit. We got out, she took care of her business, and I figured the cause of her stress being eliminated we could move on.

Oh no. This is Zoe after all.

We played this game for nearly another hour until I finally yelled with a voice I had forgotten I had (but my two friends who hid behind the fridge during Vodka I episode know the voice well) and she stayed put until we arrived in my new town.

I unpacked the critical stuff, fed the critters, ordered a pizza, and CRASHED. I was finally "home."

So next morning bright and early I throw Zoe in the new wheels, fill my travel mug, and go to meet Miss Tammy at my new house. YIPPEE! I found it no problem and the neighborhood is cute and not much different from my old neighborhood in the Wasteland. We maneuver around the previous tenants' garbage at the end of the driveway, I let Zoe in the fenced yard, and I wait. And wait. And wait.

Miss Tammy finally arrives and though she has her master key, she is late because she can't find the keys to the house. Here we go.

She lets me in and the house is actually really sweet. It's clearly a rental in that it hasn't been babied, but it has charm and potential. So I don't really care that it will take some time to find the keys.

Miss Tammy leaves me to unpack the car and just before I head back to the hotel to eat, shower, and get the cats, she arrives with my keys. I give her the lease and I am in my new home!

Now if only my furniture would arrive.

New Wheels

It finally happened. My fabulous 14-year-old Accord with nearly 220,000 miles on it bit the dust.

Okay, she didn't actually bite the dust but she was clearly sick. I took her to see the car doctor and he said saving her would really be a waste of money . . . so I fixed what was critical to drive for a few more days and began the process of car shopping TWO WEEKS before my move.

Timing is everything.

I looked around but was pretty sure I wanted a CR-V. I'm brand loyal for lots of reasons and I figured I could use the room with my growing menagerie and impending move, plus it gets good gas mileage and all the consumer reviews of it are very high. SO . . . though I did test drive some of its competitors, I ended up with the CR-V.

What I didn't expect was to end up with a BRAND NEW one! Seriously, I wanted to find a gently used, more recent model but come to find out they are hard to find and maintain their value so well that for a few more dollars (okay, a few thousand, but at this point who's really counting) I could purchase new.

So now I had to get a loan. Fortunately, my Yankee Doodle Daddy taught me well and my credit rating is very high. I have practically no debt (I KNOW - in this day and age!) and as my new job was coming with a major pay raise I got the loan lickety split.

So then it was a matter of coming up with the best deal. Now, I understand sales - for heaven's sake I'm an actor - but I hate the whole wheeling and dealing that is done at some dealerships. I made some calls and researched on the Internet, and my Dad did same, and between the two of us we came up with a reasonable price for my area.

So I went in armed and dangerous and in no hurry (hahaha) to buy. In the end, I went with a dealer and salesman recommended by my Alexander instructor and he gave me everything I asked for (after several other tries). AMAZING. Of course, I began to think I should have requested more . . . but one shouldn't be greedy, should one?

Naturally, it wasn't as easy as driving off the lot. Oh no. I wanted 2WD as it's less expensive and gets better gas mileage. For some reason, few dealers in the Wasteland carry 2WD! So my salesman was searching desperately for my car. He finally found one that could be delivered . . . but then it was Memorial Day Weekend and I had to wait for it some more.

SIGH.

It finally arrived three days before the big move. WHEW. That was close! But I'm thrilled and she purrs like a kitten. She fit nearly all my remaining stuff (minus a bucket, mop, and some cleaner) - most importantly my critters and the plants. :)

So my new life has new wheels.

VROOM!