New Digs

Today, I got checked out of my rental. So it's official: I am in my new digs! And looking forward to a full deposit refund.

And, I'm only one box away from being unpacked in my new house. All that is really left is putting away a few small things and hanging a few remaining items up. The movers (Two Men and a Truck) were wildly efficient on Monday and got me moved out in 4 hours. I have been either unpacking in my new house, or cleaning the old one since then.

Yesterday, after cleaning ALL DAY in 100 degree heat, I returned home, showered, and then poured myself a large margarita. I had seriously earned it. I sat outside on my new deck, dogs at my feet, and listened to my fountain and watched the wildlife in my new backyard.

The previous owner left a little Terracotta bird house in a tree, and I discovered yesterday a family of Chickadees have claimed it. I wasn't certain there were babies there until I walked over and saw one peep it's little head up. When I returned to my chair, I saw mama and papa busy collecting dinner and feeding the little ones. Their routine captivated me for the better part of an hour. I must now be watchful for the babies being pushed out of the home as I am quite certain my pack of five would be too interested in them for their own good.

The previous owner also left a bird feeder, which I need to clean out and perhaps find a new place for it, as nobody can enjoy it where it currently resides. The dogs continue to enjoy the yard and certainly our walks are prettier in this neighborhood.

However, I did get an interesting "welcome" from a man who lives near the park. Obviously, I'm quite a sight walking 5 dogs (and I grow more and more weary of the expression, "You've got your hands full!" I hear it at least once a walk. Enough already!). Well, this man pulled up in his car beside me and asked, "Are you an official dog walker?" I chuckled and replied that no, indeed, they were all mine. He then says, "I saw you walk by my house yesterday. You know, there is a city ordinance against having too many dogs." Excuse me? I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying something nasty. Instead, I just said that two were strays going to new homes in the future. Of course, only Taco is for certain going away . . . but I wanted the man to be on his way. What a welcome to the neighborhood, huh? I mean, I am actually doing this man and the rest of the city a huge service by taking in all these dogs, feeding them, walking them, socializing them, spaying/neutering/vaccinating them, and finding them new homes. So that man can just take his city ordinance and stick it where the sun don't shine.

On the opposite spectrum, there have been a number of very friendly folks who just marvel at the collection and enjoy saying hello. So, no complaints.

Now, if only Beatrice would adjust as well as the rest. I'm afraid she has made the master bath her home. Granted, it's bigger than my last bedroom where she stayed, but I am feeling badly. She appears content . . . so I guess the adjustment that needs to be made is mine.

So all is well here on Sunshine. More from my new digs soon.

First Night

Last night I spent my first night in my new house.

Perhaps I jumped the gun.

Yes, it has been over a month since I closed on the house. And, true, I have been dying to get in there. But the truth is, I didn't sleep well for a number of reasons.

First of all, all of the critters were spending their first night there, too, so they were getting adjusted to new sounds, smells, and spaces. The dogs did OKAY - woke me up at 3 AM wanting to go out, but otherwise managed pretty well.

The CATS are another story. I don't wish to enclose either cat in a small space . . . but giving them both full run of the house really meant Henry could be King of the Castle (appropriately named, he is) and Beatrice running scared into one of my closets most of the night. And most of today. There was a lot of growling, hissing, and spitting going on and I kept having to run interference so Beatrice wouldn't get attacked in the dark. Poor thing. I may have to rethink my plans. SIGH.

Also, I didn't have a real bed. I have ordered a new bed (which is to be delivered TODAY), but last night I slept on a blow-up mattress . . . which has a slow leak. I had to refill it twice through the night.

And, I appear to have contracted some sort of croup in Toronto because I cannot stop coughing. Seriously, that was the WORST part of my night. I just kept hacking away. I continue to try to remove a lung through my throat today as well and worry tonight, even on my new bed, will be a similar story.

And lastly, I forgot to bring my coffee maker over so my morning coffee was delayed by hours. NOT GOOD. Especially after a night of little sleep.

So I'm disappointed. Not because of the house - I am not experiencing a MOMENT of buyers remorse. I'm just plain exhausted.

Let's hope second night is better than first night.

News News and More News

Yes, I have been away nearly 4 months. I feel I have good reason:

I applied to, interviewed for, was offered, and have accepted, the tenure track position I was covering this past year.
I directed Oedipus.
I found yet ANOTHER dog.
I bought a house.
I went to Canada for two weeks.
I went to DC for one.

Yup. All that. Here are more details.

The job interview went very well. Come to find out, I had little to worry about in regards to my competition. Apparently, my competition looked good on paper, but was less than that in person. Of course, during the long process, I ended up being a finalist at two other schools. And that gave me some pause 'cause it would have gotten me out of the mid-west. But, in the end, I really like my job and the devil you know is often better than the devil you don't!

Once I made the decision to stay on, I decided to really commit to the idea that I was now a teaching artist and that maybe putting down some roots would be smart. Since I am one of the lucky ones to be gainfully employed in this crazy market, and since interest rates are low and housing costs low, I figured I would buy a house. Now, those that know me are probably surprised by this choice. I have spent my life being a gypsy and loving it. But with my pack growing and really committing to my new career, I decided this was the smart choice. I could build equity, get a great tax break, and finally stop renting places that were "fine" and live someplace I LOVED.

Well, I sure found it. I closed last month on a fabulous house built in 1934 with amazing updates. Here it is:










Of course, I haven't yet MOVED IN! SIGH. My life is just too damn busy.

But I am getting ahead of myself. I bought the house immediately after Oedipus closed. Oedipus was a good experience all in all. I directed it with a nod to the Greek traditions of masks and a strong chorus. It wasn't easy and it wasn't exactly what I had envisioned (I doubt much educational theatre is - not dissing educational theatre, it's just unlike a lot of professional work, the students are all working on different levels), but I thought it was a gorgeous show with a lot of good work in it. And it was fun. :) Here are is a link to a promo video - it gives you some small idea of the work: http://tadmedia.missouristate.edu/promo/oedipus.mov.

Of course, the revolving door animal house has continued since my last post. Annie was adopted by the Artist and Oliver went to an amazing home in Indiana thanks to American Brittany Rescue (after I took him through basic obedience - man I LOVE that sweet dog). Clementine, the kitty, is now Circe and living in DC with the Writer (who moved there due to a new job - awesome!). Taco, the chihuahua is moving to MD at the end of this month, but there is a "newcomer" to our pack: Mr. Bingley.











He's an adorable Pekingese and I am desperately looking for a good home for him. He arrived shortly before Oliver left for his new home so there was a time I had six dogs integrated into the pack. LOL. NUTTY! I am sure if I can't find a home for him I will work through a Pekingese rescue and he'll be placed quickly. I just like to find homes for these animals so I can keep track of them. Fortunately, Oliver's family is good about sending pictures and updates.

Now, what's left?

Oh yes, Canada. This trip actually fell in my lap when I was negotiating for the tenure track job. I needed to "re certify" my weapon skills and a group of our students were going to Fight Director's Canada for two weeks of intensive training and to test. So, as a "bonus", the University paid for me to go with them. All in all I'm very happy to have gone. I passed the certification tests (whew!) and that's all good for the tenure stuff. However, I am DONE with Hostels. Seriously. Never will be soon enough. UGH. But that's for another posting.

So, after my trip to Toronto, I got to see my nephew graduate as Valedictorian of his class in MD and then stayed a few extra days in DC. So that was a nice break. I enjoyed visiting with a few select friends and ate some great food. The best was for last when Boss Lady, her husband, the Hostess, and I all went to Brasserie Beck. Wow. GREAT beer (and I'm not generally a fan of beer), great food (awesome cheese plate), one of the best desserts I've ever had (a Belgian Waffle with blueberry compote and dark chocolate mousse - KILL ME), and fabulous company.

Now I am back in my little town; doing laundry and trying to figure out how I am going to move into my new home. SIGH. I'm sure I will figure it out, but I am impatient. I took the dogs over this morning to acclimate them and they were SO EXCITED. They romped all through the backyard and even explored the inside of the house. I will be keeping them out of most of the house for my own sanity, but it was good to let them check it out.

So that's it for now. I hope to keep up with the blog more regularly now that things are "slowing down."

It's good to be home.