New Faculty Orientation (or Death by Meeting)

Well, I appreciate lifestudent's optimism regarding my love life, but sadly my absence has NOTHING to do with that.

I have been sequestered away with all new faculty this past week in our New Faculty Orientation. My brain is mush.

Yup. MUSH. Talk about information overload. First you deal with the practical stuff: W-4s, I-9s, retirement accounts, and medical/dental benefits. It's important stuff that applies to everybody so I can't really complain about that.

But while you're going to and from each meeting, you are bombarded by all services available to you as a teacher. We're talking study abroad, library resources, public radio, the book store, the student union, etc. So even though I got a really cool bag from the bookstore, I ended up filling it with paper from all of these services.

Then you hear the Provost Speak. Then the Associate Provost. Then the President. Then the President of the Faculty Senate. Then the Provost Fellows. Then . . . a whole list of people I don't remember and, frankly, will most likely never see again!

And it felt like they were all saying exactly the same thing . . . only just different enough to confuse you.

Then you heard from more critical services: Center for Service Learning, IT, etc. Now, I get that most new faculty are going to need those services. Technology in the classroom is HUGE and very important to them. But I work in the arts and as such, find most of these meetings to be a waste of my time. Oh, sure, one of my classes will use an online site for class related responses and blogging. But for the most part, all that IT gobbledy-gook doesn't apply to me! And as I sat there and listened to it all . . . my eyes began to glaze over and I started to get confused by all the acronyms being bandied about. By Wednesday, I was convinced a majority of my brain cells were shut down - kaput.

But still there was more! On Thursday, we had an all-college meeting with the Dean (who I think is a rock star and I'm very excited about his leadership) who basically re-iterated everything that had been said by the President and Provost. EXCEPT that the Provost came and spoke AGAIN. I am not kidding you when I say I think I heard nearly the same speech from her FOUR times. WHY??? WHY TORTURE ME THUS???? I have WORK to do!!!

In the all college meeting, we spoke of the University's Public Affairs Mission and Five Goals, the Provost's 3-prong definition of Public Affairs, the Mission of the College and its goals, and how to incorporate ALL THAT into your teaching!!! And that you SHOULD be incorporating it into your teaching. HUH?? You mean I have to rework the syllabi I just spent two weeks on in TWO DAYS??? CRAP.

On Friday we had an ALL DAY faculty "retreat". Don't be fooled by that nice word retreat. It just means a meeting off campus. An ALL DAY meeting. There we talked about the Department's Mission and Goals and how to get that in your teaching as well as all the nitty-gritty of what's ahead.

We have a BIG accreditation review happening this fall so all our ducks MUST be in a perfect row by the end of October. As if my teaching 5 classes wasn't enough!

Plus we talked about budget and grants and tenure and promotion and recruiting and I don't even know what else.

I'm toast. Really. CRISPY TOAST. STILL. And it's been nearly 24 hours since we finished.

I must say I don't know how the University (or any higher education institution) thinks doing NFO the week before classes is SMART. It's NOT. It's confusing. It's mind-numbing. It's repetitive. And it just makes most new faculty a little angry.

If we're supposed to be focusing on EDUCATION then give us the freakin' time to focus on that! I was lucky enough to be well-prepared going into NFO. But I think of all my nice colleagues who just moved here. Who still have furniture to set up and boxes to unpack. Who still don't have keys to their office (if they even HAVE an office yet). Who still have syllabi to write and books to order. Their entire week was taken up with MEETINGS. It's just impractical.

So . . . thanks for letting me vent.

I will say some really good things came out of NFO. I met some really great women in other departments and a few of us already hit Martinis and Manicures together. So my social life - at least in regards to friendships - is already miles ahead of the wasteland. Oh, and I won a $50 gift card at the book store! FREE STUFF IS GOOD. :)

So, okay, NFO wasn't a total waste. But maybe I say that because most of my synapses still aren't firing.

I think I need a nap.

Love Update

Well, so far so good.

And don't be fooled . . . eHarmony can be nearly as overwhelming as the other sites.

In just 5 short days, I have been matched with 40 men. And though not all of them appeal to me physically (yes, yes - the whole vanity thing - blah blah blah), several of them do and also appeal to me "on paper".

HOWEVER, and this is a big deal for those who know me, I am communicating with ALL those who request it. But I am only requesting communication from the guys I'm really attracted to.

So what's out there?

Well, I am chatting with a really fun guy from Sydney, Australia. And there's a like-minded fellow from Colorado in the mix. Basically, I am chatting with gentlemen from all over the world.

Okay, so how does this change my "take out and cable TV" Saturday nights? Well, obviously if they aren't local it doesn't. But I believe that the guy for me could be ANYWHERE. I tend to bloom where I'm planted, so why not chat with somebody in Sydney? Or Colorado? I'd move there in a heartbeat if it made sense to me in the moment.

So I continue to search for love - hopefully, in all the right places.

And Michael from Boston . . . send me a picture! I lived in Beantown for a bit and LOVED it.

You never know. :)

Martinis and Manicures

So, last night I went out with my colleague, Blondie. We hit Tonic, a bar downtown that I hadn't yet been to, for their Ladies Only Happy Hour. They call it "Martinis and Manicures."

Okay, so I joke a lot about my new home town and no longer living an urban lifestyle, but OMG - membership has its privileges!

Blondie and I had no idea what to expect, but were game no matter what. And as we've been busting our asses preparing for a new semester, we decided a hump day treat was necessary.

So we got to Tonic and right away were surprised by how much they were catering to the ladies. Get this, the manicures are FREE during happy hour (6-8pm)! AND they had a bunch of local vendors hawking their wares in a little alcove. Everything from Tupperware to jewelry, it was there.

So we find a seat, put our names on the manicure list, enter to win a "salon basket", and peruse the martini menu. It is extensive for this town and impressive. She ordered a chocolate something martini and I ordered a tequila sunset martini. If you're wondering why TEQUILA, go back in this blog to find my Vodka stories. Trust me, you'll understand.

Anyway, our drinks arrived and HOLY COW was it a generous pour! Now, I mentioned in this blog that the Mud Lounge wine pours were generous, but it seems to be a town trait. An EXCELLENT one at that!

While sipping our first martini, Blondie and I got called for our manicures. Not only did they do the polish, but we also got a hand massage! AND, they passed out a free product and a coupon for 50% off any salon service! Now, the ladies reading this will get how big a deal that is, but gentlemen - imagine paying half for a green fees or half for tickets to a sporting event. Yeah, that kind of big deal.

So I got my nails done in a fabulous red (for heaven's sake, it was FREE) and returned to the table to order another round.

Blondie and I were then encouraged by our very gregarious and enthusiastic waiter to try the spinach dip. What the hell? So on his suggestion, we split one and frankly, it was one of the best spinach dips I've ever had. Of course, we had another round, too.

The evening progressed and then a live musician started to play. He was great! He played a lot of my favorite songs, and I have a pretty eclectic taste.

The waiter stopped by again, cleared the spinach dip, and asked if we wanted another. We said sure, and he rather coyly hinted that we weren't being very adventurous by ordering the same. So, we took the hint and ordered something different. My third pour was just as generous as my first pour. Impressive.

Well, the evening continued and Blondie and I enjoyed some lively conversation. At 8pm, the drawing for the basket was held (neither one of us won) and we decided it was time to settle the bill and head home.

Well, we got the bill . . . and get THIS: we each had three very good martinis, a manicure, and we split an excellent spinach dip and PAID . . . less than $15 a piece!!!!!

Needless to say, Blondie and I are going back in a couple of weeks.

I LOVE this town!

Running Much?

So, it has occurred to me that I haven't talked about running on this blog for some time. Strange seeing that it was created as such, but we all (all five of you that read it regularly) know that it has never been JUST a running blog.

So let me get back to the original intent for a post.

One reason I haven't mentioned my running much this summer is because there hasn't been much to mention! Seriously, I took some time off after the Half-Marathon in April and when I started back up, my leg was hurting me much like it did when I had my stress fracture. So I vowed to give it more rest and didn't really get back to the running until late June.

But then it was like I had never run before. Seriously. I could hardly get in two miles without getting light-headed or seriously winded. It was wildly frustrating and strange.

Now I mentioned, I think, I saw my acupuncturist in DC and she prescribed some herbs for me as I am blood deficient. Well, I have been taking them since my detox and I think they are making a difference!

I have been running four miles regularly with the dogs and, though we are going slower than I used to run, I am able to complete the mileage without wanting to collapse or faint. Last weekend I ran the four with Stella and Zoe and put them in the car to run two more. I got in SIX! That is a serious accomplishment considering my fatigue just a month ago.

So tomorrow, weather permitting, I am off to run eight. I imagine I'll take the dogs for the first half and then run the route alone a second time.

Let's hope this is the start of a trend I can continue. I still want to run that Stump Jump in October. The hard part will be figuring out how to keep the maintenance runs going during the week. I teach at 9AM every day but Friday starting in two weeks. That being the case, if I want to run in the morning, I'm going to have to get up at 5AM in order to walk Buster before I run with Stella and Zoe.

Yuck. I hate getting up in the dark.

Still . . . if I don't do it early, it usually doesn't get done.

So here's to watching the sun rise! And to running happy again!

Looking For Love

So, I'm in a new town with a new job, a new car, new pets, and a new (to me anyway) home. So what's missing??

A new man!!!

Yeah. I'm starting to feel the loneliness of the past two years away from DC. My social life has definitely suffered and though my new job gives me access to lots of pretty boys, it is unwise for me to actually DATE them.

So I am looking for love.

Where does one look for love these days? I mean, I'm without a wing-man for the bar scene and my work is either the aforementioned off-limits boys, married men - also off-limits, or men in other departments that I have no way of meeting. SIGH.

So I am once again back on-line.

I debated going back to match.com. I had a lot of fun dating boys from match and though none "stuck," I did meet some pretty decent fellows. But it's so overwhelming! And with all the new changes and challenges facing me, I decided I needed a more select group from which to choose. Why not get the service to choose for me?!

So I have listed with eHarmony. I know . . . I don't seem the type . . . not in the sense that I'm looking specifically for marriage (which in the past is what I felt a lot of eHarmony men were looking for). But they do a pretty thorough screening process so that I'm not inundated with options. The questionnaire seems to give you a chance to be brutally honest so I don't have to worry about "marketing" myself. And was I honest!

In the past, I may have tried to temper my answers. No more. I am 40 years old and pretty secure in who and what I am. Take it or leave it, I say. I don't NEED to be in a relationship. I just enjoy the company of men and would like to have more options on a Saturday night than ordering take out and watching cable or going to see a movie by myself.

So it's another adventure to add to my growing list.

I'll let you know what I find!

Be Careful What You Wish For . . .

Lest it come true.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

So I left out some details about Buster finding a new home.

People out here are pretty friendly, so while walking the dogs in the park, I struck up several conversations about the strays. Usually a person would say something like, "You've got your hands full!" or the ever-pithy "Who's walking who?" which would then lead into a brief, kindly conversation about the dogs. Also, when you walk in the park the same time regularly, you see the same people so they ask for updates. It was one such follow-up with a woman with a Westie that lead to finding Buster's new home.

She had mentioned she had found a Shih Tzu not long ago and the park grounds-keeper inquired about it. He was looking for something for his girlfriend.

Well, that didn't work out apparently, so he was still looking. So this woman introduced me to Jim and we chatted about Buster. He took a few pictures on his camera and asked that I call him the next day. Which I did . . . thinking he'd let me know if he was interested or not and we would plan a time to turn Buster over if so.

Well, Jim didn't need to plan a time - he was ready to take Buster - NOW. YIKES!! It was so quick I hardly had time to get the dogs in the car to get to the park, let alone think about favorite toys to give him and other things to make his transition more comfortable.

So we get to the park and Jim is waiting for us. Within five minutes, he's leashed Buster and whisked him away. But not before I gave him my information with an offer to pet-sit anytime or to take Buster back should I need to.

I got in my car and of course burst into tears . . . I had forgotten "Pig" his favorite toy and the cat bed he had claimed for his own. I forgot to tell Jim about Buster's little quirks. I didn't even get to say good-bye to Buster.

I got home and was overwhelmed with his absence and my guilt.

And I secretly wished I would get a call saying they needed me to take him back.

And, as the saying warns . . .

BUSTER IS BACK!

Yup, in less than 24 hours, I got a phone call saying, "It isn't working out." HUH? I mean, they didn't even give the little guy a chance to adjust!

But I was thrilled and quickly drove to the park to pick him up. All the dogs were excited to see each other and Buster appeared beside himself with joy to be back with his new pack.

So it looks as if I am now the proud owner of 5 critters: 3 dogs and 2 cats. I have already called the vet to schedule an appointment for all three dogs - gulp - so I can kiss good-bye a huge chunk of change. But they are so worth it.

I know this is going to be challenging; I have no illusions to the contrary.

But I'm up for it.

There's another saying that fits here, too: If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, it's yours. If it doesn't, it never was.

Looks like Buster's mine. :)

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

Yesterday I said good-bye to Buster as he went to a new home.

I wept and continue to cry on and off.

Funny how these animals enter your heart and take hold. I miss his clowning around, stealing cat toys, and joyful disposition. I miss hearing his little legs run around on hardwood floor. I miss watching him race around the yard in wild play with Stella. I miss him following me from room to room. I miss waking up to him sleeping in the catbed next to me.

But I know he is in a good, loving home and ultimately my life will be easier. Emptier, yes, but easier.

Flea Baths for All

This morning, after an entertaining but tricky walk with all three dogs, I discovered fleas on Stella.

Oh joy, oh rapture.

I'm not surprised really, but had checked her before and hadn't noticed any. I guess I hadn't checked her carefully.

So it was flea bath time for all the dogs (except Zoe who is on Frontline). The good news is, after rescuing Bea, my vet said you can just use Dawn Dishwashing Liquid to kill the fleas. Imagine! No expensive dips or shampoos. Just Dawn . . . and maybe more than one bath.

Now, I know there are a LOT of opinions about if it's good for Fido or not, but I bathed Bea when she was only 2 weeks old TWICE a day in it for about a week (she was horribly infected) and she did GREAT on it. Stella hasn't scratched since and I'm pretty sure the little guy's scratching is from the damn burrs that I still haven't gotten off him.

I also washed all the bedding and couch upholstery (still washing actually) and sprayed all bedding, carpets, blankets, etc. with some Mycodex which I had left-over from my last flea battle.

Ah, the joys of owning pets.

It has been on my mind since finding the dogs that I will have to eventually get them to the vet. And my other critters need their annual checkup. OUCH - 5 animals going to the vet??? I can't imagine what THAT will cost me. Until that time, I'm getting a couple of flea collars for the strays.

Still, there was one high note in the day. After washing Stella and - since I need to call him something while he's here - Buster, they started racing around the house playing. SO CUTE! I then let them outside and they continued their hard play out there for quite some time. I love that they like each other. Their play even roused Zoe from her nap, but it wasn't enough to entice her to join them. It's very funny to watch because there is quite a size difference, but Buster won't let the big girl boss him around. He keeps up beautifully - and with a real sense of humor.

So that's the latest on my menagerie.

I think I have to bathe the cats, too, just to be sure. Won't THAT be fun?

Now What Do I Do???

Okay, so things are going mostly okay incorporating Stella into our home. She and Zoe had an altercation - well, actually, Zoe attacked Stella - over food our first full day, but we have corrected that problem.

And Stella has shown signs of separation anxiety, but I think we're getting over that hurdle, too. I purchased some Rescue Remedy and have gated her in my room instead of the laundry room when I leave. At least she has a dog bed there and my bed. I think she's more comfortable and secure there.

So, of course I am attached and thinking she's mine when I get an e-mail from my posting on craigslist. It's so vague though and asks for a photo (for some reason I couldn't get craigslist to post the photo - maybe 'cause its properties give away personal info? I don't know.) and considering she's an American Staffordshire Terrier - often confused for a Pit Bull (Brian, you were close!) - that I worry about dog fighting rings. She's already had a litter at her tender age and I don't want her to be a breeding dog for something like that!

However, she is sweet and well-socialized so maybe a family is looking for her. But I haven't seen anything posted on craigslist or ANYWHERE . . . so I'm suspicious about this response. I'm thinking about asking for a photo for the missing dog and details about the dog . . . is that a good way to progress? I just don't know what to do! I took the listing down out of fear but want to do the right thing.

And to make matters even more interesting . . . the stray whisperer struck AGAIN this morning!!!!

Yup, I found this little guy on my walk with Zoe and Stella along the South Creek Trail.

You've got to be kidding!!!

He was dragging a tether attached to his collar (again, no tag!) and was a MESS. He was extremely dirty and covered in burrs. UGH.

At first he wouldn't come near us, but finally his curiosity about the two females got the best of him (typical male - lol) and he approached the girls. He wouldn't come near me, but fortunately, I could step on the tether and secure him. He tried to run - he was very nervous - but he finally calmed down and I was able to walk him home.

Once home, I put him in the tub, bathed him, and spent quite some time cutting the burrs out of his hair. Sadly, the task is daunting and I haven't finished, but each time I pet him I am able to remove some. I called a couple groomers, but they cost a fortune!

Since he had a tether on, I really think he just got loose. So somebody HAS to be looking for him, right??? The crazy thing is, he has clearly been loose for some time. In fact, there is a craigslist posting that describes a small dog like him with attached to a tether way back in early July.

SIGH. I am certainly happy to help out, but I can't possibly care for THREE dogs and two cats, can I??? Of course, the shelters are closed and so he's here until Monday at least. Fortunately, he and Stella get along well, but Zoe . . . she is not happy about yet another dog. Frankly, I don't blame her.

Now what do I do????

Please Can I Keep Her?

So the stray whisperer hasn't lost her magic apparently.

Yup. I found her a short while ago - skittish, skinny, and collarless. And beyond that, she has recently had puppies. Not so recent that she would still be nursing but recent enough you could tell. I was riding my bike home from work and as I approached the yard she was in, she bolted across the street, scared. I got off my bike and just started chatting with her and before I knew it, she was sitting next to me letting me pet her.

She is SWEET! Once I gained her trust, I got her inside my gate (that was tricky - I had to leave the bike behind and retrieve it later) and fed her (it was time to feed all the critters anyway). Then I introduced her to Zoe, which went very well, and took them both for a walk on the same leash. Sounds crazy, I know, but it's pretty easy as I've had to do it before! When we got back, I got her inside - very carefully 'cause Zoe is still pretty territorial - and penned her up in my laundry room.

So . . . I called the Humane Society (the only shelter in town) and left a message because it was after hours - of course!

What next? I guess I call the Humane Societies further away and check and then I poster the area and some local vets.

Oy vey.

I have a funny feeling I just ended up with another dog.

Any name suggestions? I kinda like Stella.