I figured I should go to sleep at a "reasonable" hour today since I stayed up until about midnight last night. Anywho, 2 more days until I see Laura and the dogs! Can't wait. Decided I will be parking my car at the parking garage and taking the shuttle from downtown to the airport. It's only $14, so that's cool. I'll leave work a bit early at like 4pm or so, just to make sure I account for enough time considering there could be traffic and such. The shuttle leaves every half hour so I'll take the 4:30 on I suppose. I have to walk down to the river to the Marriott since it leaves from there.
I thought of taping the entire drive from Laramie > Seattle > Portland. Figured why not. I'll try and use the power inverter...well, actually, I definitely need to use it anyway since the battery will only last like a couple of hours at most. The card in the camera at the lowest setting will only record about 5 hours, so I'll need to download it to my netbook every 5 hours. There will be a few minutes of "blank" in between, but that's okay.
I cleaned the cabinets and put together the bed more securely and put the sheets on today. Everything else is ready to go, pretty much. When they arrive, I want to mop the hardwood floors since it smells weird and vacuum up a few places, mainly the corner where all the dead ants are. I can't quite get them with the small vacuum I have and there's no hose attachment. I mowed the lawn on Thursday and it looks good. Although, now I wish I had mowed it tomorrow, so it'll stay nice when everyone arrives. I'll probably have to mow it again next weekend, like Saturday. The cool thing was that after I mowed the lawn, I wasn't tired at all. Just sweaty. It was weird because the last time I mowed it, which was just about 2 weeks ago, I almost died. I haven't really done anything special since then. I have been walking a lot during lunch to find places to eat. Maybe that's why.
We're going to try and hit the beach when Chris and Alicia visit. Tillamook and a spot up north maybe and then back. I keep forgetting that it's the weekend of the 4th, so it will probably be crowded-ish everywhere anyway. Tomorrow I may look for "places" to watch fireworks. I did see a few fireworks stands around town, so it seems as though it's not prohibited to use like Laramie. Dunno for sure, though.
I'm not looking forward to this drive, though. The side trip to Seattle kinda sucks, because without it, we can easily get into Portland/our house by early afternoon on Thursday, but it's going to be the evening...perhaps even later because we just might hit rush hour in Portland. And on top of that, I need to work the next day early. It is just going to be a crappy few days.
Well, gonna head to bed.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Been into more blogging as of late. Probably because of the lack of stuff to do. My WoW subscription ran out, but not renewing it for a while (ever?) since the next couple of weeks/months are going to be busy in terms of guests, work, unpacking, etc. The expansion will probably come out this Winter again, but who knows...maybe I won't get it. StarCraft 2 is coming out at the end of July and that seems pretty cool too.
In other news, I can't believe it's already time for Laura to move out. It has been over 1 month, 5 weeks in fact. Not looking forward to the drive again, but it will be good to have her here. I'm pretty sure there are gophers in our yard...I've been hesitant to buy gopher killer just yet. Maybe the dogs will get them out of here. Laura called to tell me that Kip did a stupid thing today...that dog is dumb.
But, like I told Laura, I'm starting to like working downtown. I think it is because it's just a "better" downtown than Denver is. I dunno, I suppose I only saw the 16th Street area of Denver, really, but since that area sucked in my mind, the entire city did...and I'm sure I'm right. Walking around Portland is pretty cool because of all the 1-block large "parks" that are scattered all over. So far I've eaten lunch at a couple of locations. Weird eating by myself, so hopefully Laura can start eating lunch with me soon. Different areas have these water sculptures and architecture that some person did for all the parks or something.
Anyway, gonna go. The day's been "full", to say the least. I wake up at around 7am, leave around 7:40am, come back at like 5:30pm. It's like, I'm a working man...or something. The dogs are going to hate being left alone for that long. I wish we could leave the doggie door open, but I have a feeling they could possibly get out somehow or bark a lot.
In other news, I can't believe it's already time for Laura to move out. It has been over 1 month, 5 weeks in fact. Not looking forward to the drive again, but it will be good to have her here. I'm pretty sure there are gophers in our yard...I've been hesitant to buy gopher killer just yet. Maybe the dogs will get them out of here. Laura called to tell me that Kip did a stupid thing today...that dog is dumb.
But, like I told Laura, I'm starting to like working downtown. I think it is because it's just a "better" downtown than Denver is. I dunno, I suppose I only saw the 16th Street area of Denver, really, but since that area sucked in my mind, the entire city did...and I'm sure I'm right. Walking around Portland is pretty cool because of all the 1-block large "parks" that are scattered all over. So far I've eaten lunch at a couple of locations. Weird eating by myself, so hopefully Laura can start eating lunch with me soon. Different areas have these water sculptures and architecture that some person did for all the parks or something.
Anyway, gonna go. The day's been "full", to say the least. I wake up at around 7am, leave around 7:40am, come back at like 5:30pm. It's like, I'm a working man...or something. The dogs are going to hate being left alone for that long. I wish we could leave the doggie door open, but I have a feeling they could possibly get out somehow or bark a lot.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
So, I figured this would be a worthy topic, if any, for a blog. Recently, I had received a call from a guy in LA regarding something. Actually, let me back up. He had originally called Steve (of all people) to relay the message to me about something. I got an e-mail from my sister and also from my Mom. Anyway, this guy was an old friend of my Dad 15+ years ago. Obviously, they still are, but anyway, he called me to let me know that my Dad was in critically condition at the hospital, unconscious. I'm not totally sure what the prognosis was, but fairly serious. After a couple of awkward calls back and forth trying to find out the condition, where he was, etc., (all this in 50/50 Japanese and English, mind you), I let my Mom know about it because he had not called her yet. After she talked to him, she assumed that it was another 'panic attack' or something. A few days later, she had received a call from the guy again saying my Dad had passed away. my Mom called me crying a little bit to let me know. Although she had a grudge and all, she was glad that he passed away without any pain. This was a couple of weeks ago...god, I should remember the day he died, at least.
This brings me to a strange point. I'm not sure whether to consider this a common/uncommon scenario, probably an uncommon one, but I don't know the facts to back that up. The issue is that I'm not sure whether to be sad or not. Honestly, I didn't really see or remember my Dad growing up. I'm not sure what he was doing all the time, but I just think something is wrong there. I'm sure most people remember growing up with their parents, minus the ones who had family issues and what not. I guess I fall somewhere in between. I can only remember a handful of memories with my Dad, few enough that I can mention them briefly here:
1. I remember going to his work once (well, a few times, as we would stop by there in our trips to LA to go grocery shopping and after my Japanese school and stuff) at Nevada Bob's. Never knew the reason behind that naming. I can't remember how old I was, but I can vaguely remember the shop layout. I'm still not sure what he did.
2. I remember him buying me a Gameboy when it first came out. Not the color version, not the smaller version, but the first one ever. It was the morning of my birthday and I woke up and he gave me the Gameboy. Wow, actually, now I can't remember if it was a Gameboy or the new Donkey Kong video game. Pretty sure it was the Gameboy, because now I remember being with my Dad at the store buying a Donkey Kong game. I remember talking about how my Mom wouldn't be happy if he got that and to keep it a secret or something.
3. I remember him working on the little closed off area he made at the Fontana house one night. I was playing outside and riding my bike and I came home to it. Not sure why I remember that.
4. A few times I remember my Mom and Dad fighting downstairs and this one distinct time I remember yelling "Stop yelling (or fighting?)!" at the top of my lungs at the top of the stairs. And then I went back to my room. It was weird to say the least. I probably skipped a lot of it, them fighting that is, since I tended to just stay in my room and keep myself occupied, playing video games and watching Doraemon movies.
5. I played 9 holes of golf with him at the course I took 2 golf lessons at. It was him and his friend and me. I really can't remember it well, but I remember him impressed that I was getting good. I don't even know how it got scheduled.
6. The last memory I had of him was after my parents separated and he was living in an apartment a couple of cities over from Fontana. We visited for some reason, I can't remember why, but I remember walking in and just taking a look around. We weren't there long. I do remember my Mom and I making fun of him because he was wearing jeans, which he never did and which was something he said he'd never do.
7. When my Dad and his friends were playing Mahjong one night at the Fontana house, they were playing until really late and I actually fell asleep in the dining room and sort of half awake when he picked me up to put me in bed.
There you go...the only times I can remember...I'm sure I can think of a few more if I really tried, but it's not worth it to do so.
So, put yourself in that situation...would you be sad for losing someone that you didn't really know? Sure, it's my Dad, but it just seemed that way because a piece of paper said so. I never talked to him since that time at the apartment and that was close to 15+ years ago. It's just hard to feel sad for someone, despite being your father, you never hung out with, talked with, learned from, and so forth.
Anyway, my Mom and I will probably visit the grave sometime soon once she finds out where it is. There was a funeral not too long ago, but decided not to go because it would have just been awkward. The guy calling was weird too. He was asking if I was going to come out to see him and stuff, but I was like, um...yeah, I can try (knowing that I wouldn't). I figured it wasn't the time or place to let him know that I didn't really care at this point. I guess this guy used to play Mahjong a lot at the Fontana house...I can remember a couple of times when they played in the kitchen until late at night. Oh, I remember one other memory (added #7).
So, whether or not I should feel sad or upset, I'll never know, I guess. Figured I should put this before I forget.
Oh, and this is my 500th post!
This brings me to a strange point. I'm not sure whether to consider this a common/uncommon scenario, probably an uncommon one, but I don't know the facts to back that up. The issue is that I'm not sure whether to be sad or not. Honestly, I didn't really see or remember my Dad growing up. I'm not sure what he was doing all the time, but I just think something is wrong there. I'm sure most people remember growing up with their parents, minus the ones who had family issues and what not. I guess I fall somewhere in between. I can only remember a handful of memories with my Dad, few enough that I can mention them briefly here:
1. I remember going to his work once (well, a few times, as we would stop by there in our trips to LA to go grocery shopping and after my Japanese school and stuff) at Nevada Bob's. Never knew the reason behind that naming. I can't remember how old I was, but I can vaguely remember the shop layout. I'm still not sure what he did.
2. I remember him buying me a Gameboy when it first came out. Not the color version, not the smaller version, but the first one ever. It was the morning of my birthday and I woke up and he gave me the Gameboy. Wow, actually, now I can't remember if it was a Gameboy or the new Donkey Kong video game. Pretty sure it was the Gameboy, because now I remember being with my Dad at the store buying a Donkey Kong game. I remember talking about how my Mom wouldn't be happy if he got that and to keep it a secret or something.
3. I remember him working on the little closed off area he made at the Fontana house one night. I was playing outside and riding my bike and I came home to it. Not sure why I remember that.
4. A few times I remember my Mom and Dad fighting downstairs and this one distinct time I remember yelling "Stop yelling (or fighting?)!" at the top of my lungs at the top of the stairs. And then I went back to my room. It was weird to say the least. I probably skipped a lot of it, them fighting that is, since I tended to just stay in my room and keep myself occupied, playing video games and watching Doraemon movies.
5. I played 9 holes of golf with him at the course I took 2 golf lessons at. It was him and his friend and me. I really can't remember it well, but I remember him impressed that I was getting good. I don't even know how it got scheduled.
6. The last memory I had of him was after my parents separated and he was living in an apartment a couple of cities over from Fontana. We visited for some reason, I can't remember why, but I remember walking in and just taking a look around. We weren't there long. I do remember my Mom and I making fun of him because he was wearing jeans, which he never did and which was something he said he'd never do.
7. When my Dad and his friends were playing Mahjong one night at the Fontana house, they were playing until really late and I actually fell asleep in the dining room and sort of half awake when he picked me up to put me in bed.
There you go...the only times I can remember...I'm sure I can think of a few more if I really tried, but it's not worth it to do so.
So, put yourself in that situation...would you be sad for losing someone that you didn't really know? Sure, it's my Dad, but it just seemed that way because a piece of paper said so. I never talked to him since that time at the apartment and that was close to 15+ years ago. It's just hard to feel sad for someone, despite being your father, you never hung out with, talked with, learned from, and so forth.
Anyway, my Mom and I will probably visit the grave sometime soon once she finds out where it is. There was a funeral not too long ago, but decided not to go because it would have just been awkward. The guy calling was weird too. He was asking if I was going to come out to see him and stuff, but I was like, um...yeah, I can try (knowing that I wouldn't). I figured it wasn't the time or place to let him know that I didn't really care at this point. I guess this guy used to play Mahjong a lot at the Fontana house...I can remember a couple of times when they played in the kitchen until late at night. Oh, I remember one other memory (added #7).
So, whether or not I should feel sad or upset, I'll never know, I guess. Figured I should put this before I forget.
Oh, and this is my 500th post!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
So, it seems a lot can happen in one week! After having an interview at Portland State University for an office support/data support position last Thursday, I was offered the position Tuesday at the end of the day. They are still trying to get the paperwork squared away and are going to call me back Monday, but they said I will probably start sometime next week. Wow, am I relieved. I thought I only did okay on the interview...I'm such a bad interviewee, so I'm glad that, hopefully, they were able to see past some of that and look at my credentials. It was weird because when I got there, they handed me a packet with all the job info, health stuff, as well as the questions that were going to be asked during the interview. I was like, hmmm, weird, never hard that before. So, I skimmed through and tried to think of some answers before hand. I think it was a bad thing to do, because it kind of conflicted with the answers I had planned originally, but, it's hard to pretend not to know and answer from scratch. Anyway, I started out kind of rough, but by the end, I think I was doing better, less "ums" and what not. Oh, so from that, you can probably assume I accepted the job. I was actually in a weird dilemma. I had gotten another interview for a non-profit in town for a webmaster position, that, honestly, I probably would have really liked. Of course, I wouldn't know for sure, but anyway, the interview was set for next week, so it was hard to decline the 'for sure offer' for a chance at a 'possible offer'. In the end, I think I did the right thing for the situation. Laura and I are both glad that I found a job, though, for sure. Now, only if the moving date would get here sooner!
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Well, I'm back. A little later than I wanted, but, I just got carried away with surfing. Actually, I did a little bit of work on my clients' websites today.
Anywho. Portland. I got here May 12th. I *can not* believe it's already June 5th. We've got all the utilities taken care of. My typical day is pretty much:
1. Wake up around 9 or 10am. I do set the alarm for 8:30 everyday, but, really, I don't know why I do that. I wake up and turn it off and go right back to bed. The clock is at the foot of the mattress, so I even have to get out of the covers and such, but, I still get back.
2. Look for jobs as much as I can, which, unfortunately just means opening up all the links I have in my browser favorites folder called "jobs" and looking through them. It's usually very slim pickings. I only average an application once every 1.5 days. There really just isn't much around here.
3. Eat lunch, consisting of PB&J sandwiches and/or cereal. Everyday is a combination of one of those two. Lately, I've been trying to get more "solids" into my system. This week was frozen burritos. Still, it's crazy how much money I see saving in not going out to eat. I have eaten fast food a few times while I've been in the house, but the majority has been what I mentioned above. It gets boring real quick.
4. Surfing/WoW/watching movies. The first couple of weeks, it was WoW. I leveled a new character to level 80 in 2 weeks...probably my fastest ever. I played way too much. I think I'm on "break" now. The last week or so, I've been helping this new client for a blog he wanted on his website. He's been in some notable TV shows and movies, as well.
5. Dinner. Mostly repeat lunch.
6. Back to step 4 until late and to sleep.
It's a real boring schedule. Frankly, I don't wish that I ever NOT have a job, but I can't do this for much longer. Laura and the dogs being here would be much better on the schedule and my outlook of boredom, however. Like I said, the house is completely empty and it saps any energy I have. Mowing the lawn has been an exercise. I always seems to be out of breath after I do it. I think this coming week, I'm going to actually raise the cutting level 1 notch, because right now, I think it's too short. That'll help with not filling up the trash too fast as well.
What else. Nothing, really, because I've been doing nothing!
I can't wait for the 25th. 20 days away. I've already been here that long and it seemed to go by quick, so, hopefully this will be the same. The move will be hard, though, I think. The drive was long and that was without any house stuff. But then again, this time there will be friends involved, so maybe it won't be as bad.
Anyway, I just registered for all our utilities and already the electric and gas are ready for payment. The electric was like $14, but the gas was $41! Hopefully I don't have to heat it during the summer. I dunno why, but I'm just cold in this house. Either the townhouse was kept warm because it was nestled in between two other houses that stayed warm, so it just felt like I didn't need to run the heat or the thermostat was off in the townhouse, because I have this place set at 72 and that's about right, for me at least. I think I can go to 71 or 70 maybe, but, we'll see. The difference between 71 and 72 on thermostat is big. Like 71 is too cold, but 72 is too hot. Oh well.
Anywho. Portland. I got here May 12th. I *can not* believe it's already June 5th. We've got all the utilities taken care of. My typical day is pretty much:
1. Wake up around 9 or 10am. I do set the alarm for 8:30 everyday, but, really, I don't know why I do that. I wake up and turn it off and go right back to bed. The clock is at the foot of the mattress, so I even have to get out of the covers and such, but, I still get back.
2. Look for jobs as much as I can, which, unfortunately just means opening up all the links I have in my browser favorites folder called "jobs" and looking through them. It's usually very slim pickings. I only average an application once every 1.5 days. There really just isn't much around here.
3. Eat lunch, consisting of PB&J sandwiches and/or cereal. Everyday is a combination of one of those two. Lately, I've been trying to get more "solids" into my system. This week was frozen burritos. Still, it's crazy how much money I see saving in not going out to eat. I have eaten fast food a few times while I've been in the house, but the majority has been what I mentioned above. It gets boring real quick.
4. Surfing/WoW/watching movies. The first couple of weeks, it was WoW. I leveled a new character to level 80 in 2 weeks...probably my fastest ever. I played way too much. I think I'm on "break" now. The last week or so, I've been helping this new client for a blog he wanted on his website. He's been in some notable TV shows and movies, as well.
5. Dinner. Mostly repeat lunch.
6. Back to step 4 until late and to sleep.
It's a real boring schedule. Frankly, I don't wish that I ever NOT have a job, but I can't do this for much longer. Laura and the dogs being here would be much better on the schedule and my outlook of boredom, however. Like I said, the house is completely empty and it saps any energy I have. Mowing the lawn has been an exercise. I always seems to be out of breath after I do it. I think this coming week, I'm going to actually raise the cutting level 1 notch, because right now, I think it's too short. That'll help with not filling up the trash too fast as well.
What else. Nothing, really, because I've been doing nothing!
I can't wait for the 25th. 20 days away. I've already been here that long and it seemed to go by quick, so, hopefully this will be the same. The move will be hard, though, I think. The drive was long and that was without any house stuff. But then again, this time there will be friends involved, so maybe it won't be as bad.
Anyway, I just registered for all our utilities and already the electric and gas are ready for payment. The electric was like $14, but the gas was $41! Hopefully I don't have to heat it during the summer. I dunno why, but I'm just cold in this house. Either the townhouse was kept warm because it was nestled in between two other houses that stayed warm, so it just felt like I didn't need to run the heat or the thermostat was off in the townhouse, because I have this place set at 72 and that's about right, for me at least. I think I can go to 71 or 70 maybe, but, we'll see. The difference between 71 and 72 on thermostat is big. Like 71 is too cold, but 72 is too hot. Oh well.
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Well, it's almost been 3 weeks since my last post, so it's probably time to update this thing. I'll do it tomorrow, as it's almost midnight now. I know I'm not really going to be able to sleep anytime soon; I've been staying up rather late since I moved into this house and waking up later than I'd like. I'm not sure why. I'm not even tired most of the time. Perhaps I'm just trying to pass time by sleeping it away? I don't know. I know that I miss Laura A LOT right now. I can't believe it's already been 3 weeks since the time we were looking for houses, driving around Portland, and living out of the Homestead Suites. Time flew by, but, I'm not exactly sure how, if that makes sense. One thing's for sure that it's a lot of wasted time gone. I need to do more productive stuff during this time.
Anyway, I'll write again tomorrow.
Anyway, I'll write again tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
I guess I'll make my first blog post from Oregon one from my last night here at the extended stay hotel. I've only stayed here for 7 days now and I'm "moving" into our rental home tomorrow. I put moving in quotes as I really don't have anything to move in...Clothes and some appliances is all. I'm not sure what I'm going to be doing there. I scheduled the internet to be installed, but that's this Thursday, so I'm going to have to visit Barnes and Noble or something in the meantime to keep my job search going.
It doesn't seem like it, but so much has happened in the last week. Being alone for a couple of days has re-confirmed my dependence for Laura as my wife and friend through tough times. After having a bit of a freak out on the first night here, things started to look up again after she arrived a day later. I don't know how I'm going to make it through the next several weeks without her. It's going to be tough. I guess I miss my pups, too. :)
Just a recap, the drive here was terrible. Don't ever do 17 hours in a single day, let alone by yourself. I mean, I guess I do like driving, but man, this made me hate it. The first few hours of the morning sucked. I left at 1:20am. Cold and dark, it was actually snowing/blizzarding until it became light outside. I was dozing out really bad in the beginning (and frankly it was kind of getting dangerous) so I actually stopped about 4 hours into the trip and took at 40-minute nap out at a hotel parking lot. I didn't really sleep all that much, but it gave me enough energy to keep going until the sun came up and finally "wake up." The middle7-8 hours went fine. Nothing in terms of scenery, really. The last 4-5 hours SUCKED the worst. I don't know why. It just did. The sign for the "miles to Portland" pissed me off every time since the miles left didn't seem to change. It just kept going down by like 3 miles each time. Seriously, at least put it 15-20 miles apart. The scenery was awesome, however, for the last 2 hours. Driving along the river all the way in, seeing these boats, huge cliffs and crags, the sun setting, dams, etc. all made it nice. It just felt like a foreign area to me, since I was so used to the Wyoming scenery. I was just arriving in traffic, which I didn't realize at the time, so that just made the last 30 minutes that bad. And the fact that I didn't know crap about the area and how the roads were, like some exits being on the left, signage being horrible and worst of all, OREGON DRIVERS SUCKING. Honestly, I have not seen worse drivers in all the states I've been in. LA is even better. No one signals, brakes abruptly, speeds up for no reason when you try to pass and then slows down...it's ridiculous.
Anyway, I finally make it to the hotel and I pay for the first week. Hell, the stupid girl was nice, but charged me the wrong rate...whatever. So, yeah. That day was back. The next day, I really tried to be in a good mood since I was picking up Laura, but traffic, again. I was like 45 minutes late in picking up Laura because there was a crash that bogged down the route I was going to take. Trying to go another route (bad idea when you don't know what the "other route" is), I end up in downtown...furthermore, I ended up making wrong turns and ended up going TO the damn crash I was trying to avoid in the first place. Seriously. And then I proceeded to sit in traffic (literally sit) for the next hour. I moved about 500 feet in about an hour. And then after the traffic cleared, I just had to turn back around and pass where I was. Sucks not knowing where you are. After picking Laura up, things started getting better. The airport is pretty easily laid out, even more so than DIA.
With Laura here, we set upon finding a place to stay. At first it was going crappy. Didn't find much, people not calling back, and so forth. We only ended up being shown 1 house and it was bad. Old, small, in a bad part of Portland from what we could see. The East side. The other houses we were expected to see we didn't even go since we drove by it and it was just bad. We saw another house where the people looking at it were freaking out because they wanted it. It wasn't bad, but the back yard wasn't fenced, so it was a no go for us. Laura found this cool house right near her work and we decided to get a showing. We saw it and we liked it a lot. No bath...kinda bad for me since I take so much, but I said with the luck we've been having, this house is too good to pass and I can manage. We ended up applying for the house and getting it. I just paid the first payments tonight, actually. I move in tomorrow! I can't wait, although, I can't really do anything.
6 weeks until Laura moves in. That's a long time. I need to find a job, though, but then again, I want to help move as well. I don't want them to do it all. We are sort of worried about money, as we should. The rent for the house was on the upper end of our affordability. Take that back, probably THE end of the higher end. Now setting up this cable is another $225 or something, but the $150 deposit we can get back after 6 months. I think it's because so we don't quit the service after the promo or something, but whatever.
So, tomorrow, we'll see what the future brings. I will be hanging out at the local Barnes and Noble, about 10 minutes or less away for the next 2 days, mooching off their internet. Laura and I had a lot of fun when she was here, though. We went to the Japanese Gardens, the downtown market (which was too crowded for me, really), seeing Voodoo Doughnut and its long line, and just driving around our house to see what kind of stuff there was. I tell you what, I know we've grown to like the mom and pop shops, no traffic, and the small town feel, but I must admit it was kind of nice to see the different kinds of shops just around our house. Convenience stores, BB&B, Home Depot, retail stores, etc. It was weird because it was almost as if it was the first time we've seen these places, you know? Hopefully we aren't spoiled again to the point where if we moved to a place like Laramie, we won't be complaining about not having amenities. I don't think that will happen, but we'll see. We were already trying to find non-ordinary places to shop, eat, and so forth. I don't think we can go back to chains if we tried.
Well, I better go to sleep and use the internet I have sparingly...
I miss you Laura! Can't wait to have you back here.
-J
It doesn't seem like it, but so much has happened in the last week. Being alone for a couple of days has re-confirmed my dependence for Laura as my wife and friend through tough times. After having a bit of a freak out on the first night here, things started to look up again after she arrived a day later. I don't know how I'm going to make it through the next several weeks without her. It's going to be tough. I guess I miss my pups, too. :)
Just a recap, the drive here was terrible. Don't ever do 17 hours in a single day, let alone by yourself. I mean, I guess I do like driving, but man, this made me hate it. The first few hours of the morning sucked. I left at 1:20am. Cold and dark, it was actually snowing/blizzarding until it became light outside. I was dozing out really bad in the beginning (and frankly it was kind of getting dangerous) so I actually stopped about 4 hours into the trip and took at 40-minute nap out at a hotel parking lot. I didn't really sleep all that much, but it gave me enough energy to keep going until the sun came up and finally "wake up." The middle7-8 hours went fine. Nothing in terms of scenery, really. The last 4-5 hours SUCKED the worst. I don't know why. It just did. The sign for the "miles to Portland" pissed me off every time since the miles left didn't seem to change. It just kept going down by like 3 miles each time. Seriously, at least put it 15-20 miles apart. The scenery was awesome, however, for the last 2 hours. Driving along the river all the way in, seeing these boats, huge cliffs and crags, the sun setting, dams, etc. all made it nice. It just felt like a foreign area to me, since I was so used to the Wyoming scenery. I was just arriving in traffic, which I didn't realize at the time, so that just made the last 30 minutes that bad. And the fact that I didn't know crap about the area and how the roads were, like some exits being on the left, signage being horrible and worst of all, OREGON DRIVERS SUCKING. Honestly, I have not seen worse drivers in all the states I've been in. LA is even better. No one signals, brakes abruptly, speeds up for no reason when you try to pass and then slows down...it's ridiculous.
Anyway, I finally make it to the hotel and I pay for the first week. Hell, the stupid girl was nice, but charged me the wrong rate...whatever. So, yeah. That day was back. The next day, I really tried to be in a good mood since I was picking up Laura, but traffic, again. I was like 45 minutes late in picking up Laura because there was a crash that bogged down the route I was going to take. Trying to go another route (bad idea when you don't know what the "other route" is), I end up in downtown...furthermore, I ended up making wrong turns and ended up going TO the damn crash I was trying to avoid in the first place. Seriously. And then I proceeded to sit in traffic (literally sit) for the next hour. I moved about 500 feet in about an hour. And then after the traffic cleared, I just had to turn back around and pass where I was. Sucks not knowing where you are. After picking Laura up, things started getting better. The airport is pretty easily laid out, even more so than DIA.
With Laura here, we set upon finding a place to stay. At first it was going crappy. Didn't find much, people not calling back, and so forth. We only ended up being shown 1 house and it was bad. Old, small, in a bad part of Portland from what we could see. The East side. The other houses we were expected to see we didn't even go since we drove by it and it was just bad. We saw another house where the people looking at it were freaking out because they wanted it. It wasn't bad, but the back yard wasn't fenced, so it was a no go for us. Laura found this cool house right near her work and we decided to get a showing. We saw it and we liked it a lot. No bath...kinda bad for me since I take so much, but I said with the luck we've been having, this house is too good to pass and I can manage. We ended up applying for the house and getting it. I just paid the first payments tonight, actually. I move in tomorrow! I can't wait, although, I can't really do anything.
6 weeks until Laura moves in. That's a long time. I need to find a job, though, but then again, I want to help move as well. I don't want them to do it all. We are sort of worried about money, as we should. The rent for the house was on the upper end of our affordability. Take that back, probably THE end of the higher end. Now setting up this cable is another $225 or something, but the $150 deposit we can get back after 6 months. I think it's because so we don't quit the service after the promo or something, but whatever.
So, tomorrow, we'll see what the future brings. I will be hanging out at the local Barnes and Noble, about 10 minutes or less away for the next 2 days, mooching off their internet. Laura and I had a lot of fun when she was here, though. We went to the Japanese Gardens, the downtown market (which was too crowded for me, really), seeing Voodoo Doughnut and its long line, and just driving around our house to see what kind of stuff there was. I tell you what, I know we've grown to like the mom and pop shops, no traffic, and the small town feel, but I must admit it was kind of nice to see the different kinds of shops just around our house. Convenience stores, BB&B, Home Depot, retail stores, etc. It was weird because it was almost as if it was the first time we've seen these places, you know? Hopefully we aren't spoiled again to the point where if we moved to a place like Laramie, we won't be complaining about not having amenities. I don't think that will happen, but we'll see. We were already trying to find non-ordinary places to shop, eat, and so forth. I don't think we can go back to chains if we tried.
Well, I better go to sleep and use the internet I have sparingly...
I miss you Laura! Can't wait to have you back here.
-J
Saturday, May 08, 2010
So...another page in my life has turned. This time marking the end of a chapter. The chapter will be called "Laramie."
Today was my last day at work. It felt great and sort of sad at the same time. I've been here the longest of any work I've been at in my life. I learned a lot and saw a lot. I think it was a good experience for, but I'm ready for something new. For the first time I felt what it feels to be unrecognized for the work you did. I just couldn't do it anymore.
That aside, the day was mellow. The earlier part of the week wasn't so. It was pretty busy, I'd say. I've been telling people about today for a while, so it wasn't a big surprise. Still, people couldn't believe that I was leaving today. We had a BBQ at the office for my send off. That was fun. A badminton set was even brought and played for a little bit, but it was too windy and cold, so that didn't last.
After lunch, my boss had sent an e-mail out to everyone in the company, noting today was my last day. I was given some kind words and I replied to everyone with my little send off letter. I received lots of instant messages and e-mails after that and also through the day wishing me luck and such. I even took an hour or so from my day to call and talk to the people that I worked with a lot over the years. It felt comforting that so many people said they would miss me and my help after I had left. Even if they were saying it to be nice, it sort of backed up my thoughts that my company would have an irreplaceable whole as I left. Big ego? Yeah...but whatever!
Anywho, I got all the contacts I wanted to keep in touch with and so the new chapter is about to unfold. In just over 4 days, I leave for Portland, to meet up with Laura. It's going to be the longest day ever. 17 hours of driving in 1 day. Dang. Will my car make it? It's a lot of miles and mountainous terrain to cover. Hopefully I'll be okay. I'm starting to think I should break it into 2 days, but I really don't want to spend the money to get a hotel and break the "rhythm" if I'm in a zone driving. When I drove 9 hours to Iowa, it really felt fast. I didn't even have music on while driving. It was weird.
Laura is in Oklahoma for Mother's Day. I miss her a lot! The pillows on her side of the bed has been untouched, mostly because I don't want to make it (not like I make it now), but it looks better if only 1 side of the bed is used. They dogs have been good, as well. Callie hasn't eaten in like 2 days and I think the throw-up I cleaned earlier was from her. Not positive, but likely. Kip is eating, so. They always seem to do this when Laura leaves. I think they like her more.
Well, I gotta get up early to drop off the car tomorrow at the shop to get a new muffler installed. I'm going to (if she wakes up) eat breakfast with Naomi in Fort Collins. Afterward, I may go climbing with Chris at Horsetooth if, again, he decides to push fixing his sprinkler with his Dad to later in the afternoon. Then back to Laramie. Hopefully the muffler doesn't cost more than last time, which was around $125 or so.
I don't want to do emissions in Portland, either, and get a new license. Ugh.
Well, I should head to bed. I miss you and love you, Laura. I can't wait to start the next chapter in Portland together! It will be great, but I know you will miss Laramie.
Today was my last day at work. It felt great and sort of sad at the same time. I've been here the longest of any work I've been at in my life. I learned a lot and saw a lot. I think it was a good experience for, but I'm ready for something new. For the first time I felt what it feels to be unrecognized for the work you did. I just couldn't do it anymore.
That aside, the day was mellow. The earlier part of the week wasn't so. It was pretty busy, I'd say. I've been telling people about today for a while, so it wasn't a big surprise. Still, people couldn't believe that I was leaving today. We had a BBQ at the office for my send off. That was fun. A badminton set was even brought and played for a little bit, but it was too windy and cold, so that didn't last.
After lunch, my boss had sent an e-mail out to everyone in the company, noting today was my last day. I was given some kind words and I replied to everyone with my little send off letter. I received lots of instant messages and e-mails after that and also through the day wishing me luck and such. I even took an hour or so from my day to call and talk to the people that I worked with a lot over the years. It felt comforting that so many people said they would miss me and my help after I had left. Even if they were saying it to be nice, it sort of backed up my thoughts that my company would have an irreplaceable whole as I left. Big ego? Yeah...but whatever!
Anywho, I got all the contacts I wanted to keep in touch with and so the new chapter is about to unfold. In just over 4 days, I leave for Portland, to meet up with Laura. It's going to be the longest day ever. 17 hours of driving in 1 day. Dang. Will my car make it? It's a lot of miles and mountainous terrain to cover. Hopefully I'll be okay. I'm starting to think I should break it into 2 days, but I really don't want to spend the money to get a hotel and break the "rhythm" if I'm in a zone driving. When I drove 9 hours to Iowa, it really felt fast. I didn't even have music on while driving. It was weird.
Laura is in Oklahoma for Mother's Day. I miss her a lot! The pillows on her side of the bed has been untouched, mostly because I don't want to make it (not like I make it now), but it looks better if only 1 side of the bed is used. They dogs have been good, as well. Callie hasn't eaten in like 2 days and I think the throw-up I cleaned earlier was from her. Not positive, but likely. Kip is eating, so. They always seem to do this when Laura leaves. I think they like her more.
Well, I gotta get up early to drop off the car tomorrow at the shop to get a new muffler installed. I'm going to (if she wakes up) eat breakfast with Naomi in Fort Collins. Afterward, I may go climbing with Chris at Horsetooth if, again, he decides to push fixing his sprinkler with his Dad to later in the afternoon. Then back to Laramie. Hopefully the muffler doesn't cost more than last time, which was around $125 or so.
I don't want to do emissions in Portland, either, and get a new license. Ugh.
Well, I should head to bed. I miss you and love you, Laura. I can't wait to start the next chapter in Portland together! It will be great, but I know you will miss Laramie.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
So it's been a while. Lots of things going to happen in the next few weeks.
Unfortunately, I'm still looking for a job, but, I am going to be moving to Portland on May 11th...crazy. I'll be driving out there and staying at a hotel for the month of May. Laura will be flying out and meeting me on the 12th and looking for a place to stay starting June 1st.
As far as work is concerned, my last day is May 7th. My notice is already in. Things haven't sunk in yet, in terms of money and all that, but, oh well.
I don't know when I'll be able to write next, but chances are, the next time I write, it'll be from Portland. Whether it would be from my hotel room or our house we're renting, I don't know.
Details and updates to come.
I was reading an article in my Wired magazine just tonight and read one snippet that made me think. I'll paraphrase what it stated, but I'll make it more into a "how to live by" sort of thing:
Define your life not by what you have done but by what you will be doing.
I'll pan more on that when I have time...
Unfortunately, I'm still looking for a job, but, I am going to be moving to Portland on May 11th...crazy. I'll be driving out there and staying at a hotel for the month of May. Laura will be flying out and meeting me on the 12th and looking for a place to stay starting June 1st.
As far as work is concerned, my last day is May 7th. My notice is already in. Things haven't sunk in yet, in terms of money and all that, but, oh well.
I don't know when I'll be able to write next, but chances are, the next time I write, it'll be from Portland. Whether it would be from my hotel room or our house we're renting, I don't know.
Details and updates to come.
I was reading an article in my Wired magazine just tonight and read one snippet that made me think. I'll paraphrase what it stated, but I'll make it more into a "how to live by" sort of thing:
Define your life not by what you have done but by what you will be doing.
I'll pan more on that when I have time...
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Laura got me a new laptop! It was a good deal via Walmart:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?dest=9999999997&product_id=13374563&sourceid=33308344211697658036
You might have some at your local Walmart!
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?dest=9999999997&product_id=13374563&sourceid=33308344211697658036
You might have some at your local Walmart!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Friday, January 01, 2010
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
As I sit here in the breakfast nook in Laura's parent's house, with the snow starting to fall down, I think it's time to do a quick look-back at 2009. A year of ups and downs, stupid health problems, and the 'calm before the storm' (Laura and I moving next year), friends getting married, etc.
Really a year like any other, if you think about it. The big news were Chris and Alicia getting married, I think Laura passed her comps earlier this year...maybe, that might have been November of last year. I can't remember that far.
Next year is going to be a big move out of Laramie and into the unknown. It's like starting over again, in a sense. It'll sort of be a mirror of us moving into Laramie, some 4.5 years ago. That's a long time. Laura will be sort of "starting" school at a new place again, I'll have to find a job again, making new friends (maybe I don't need to make any friends since it's potentially just for a year?!), moving our stuff to a new house, settling in, etc.
Of all the things to be thankful for, it always comes back to Laura and how much she helps me through the year and that I don't do enough reciprocity. I love you and thank you for all that you do for me each and every minute, hour, day, and year.
Next year, I'm sure, will be yet another quick one in the end, but slow to start. I think it'll also be a big step toward the future as well as Laura finishes up her Ph.D.!
Anyway, thanks to all the family and friends that made this year what it was.
See you 2009 and welcome the '10s (tens??!!?).
Really a year like any other, if you think about it. The big news were Chris and Alicia getting married, I think Laura passed her comps earlier this year...maybe, that might have been November of last year. I can't remember that far.
Next year is going to be a big move out of Laramie and into the unknown. It's like starting over again, in a sense. It'll sort of be a mirror of us moving into Laramie, some 4.5 years ago. That's a long time. Laura will be sort of "starting" school at a new place again, I'll have to find a job again, making new friends (maybe I don't need to make any friends since it's potentially just for a year?!), moving our stuff to a new house, settling in, etc.
Of all the things to be thankful for, it always comes back to Laura and how much she helps me through the year and that I don't do enough reciprocity. I love you and thank you for all that you do for me each and every minute, hour, day, and year.
Next year, I'm sure, will be yet another quick one in the end, but slow to start. I think it'll also be a big step toward the future as well as Laura finishes up her Ph.D.!
Anyway, thanks to all the family and friends that made this year what it was.
See you 2009 and welcome the '10s (tens??!!?).
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Wow, I didn't realize that I went 3 months without posting. Hard to imagine that I didn't even think of this blog during that time. Quite a bit of stuff has happened during this time. The biggest being that Chris and Alicia are now married...and still married. They had a good time in Hawaii and seem to be back in the same ol' groove, working and such.
This year we decided to have Thanksgiving with my Mom and sister in Niwot. It was a good time. Nephew and nieces are certainly weird! After the Thanksgiving lunch/dinner, I took some family photos of their family. Turned out okay, I think. I still need to practice people photography.
Laura and I are slowly getting into the mode of moving...well, at least I am! She has gotten interviews at 10 different places. It really sucks that we don't know where we'll be going until late February. She has to fly all around in mid-January, which is going to cost a shit-ton of money. I wish they would at least pay for the travel expenses if they get into the respective place they're interviewing at. Anyway, I think our main choices so far are Portland, OR, Oklahoma City, OK and Augusta, MA. I will probably tag along with her on the Maine interview. We're still not quite sure where we'll put our choices in order. It's a tough decision as there are a lot of factors that affect the decision.
Kip and Callie are both doing well. Being dicks as always! In a couple days we're heading down to Fort Collins for Ellen's graduation on Saturday. I'll bring my camcorder to take some videos of it all.
Other than that I'm getting more and more excited to leave our hell hole. I have been spending some time at working researching homes for rent. The best seems to be Oklahoma City in terms of housing prices and what you get for it. It's pretty awesome. Denver, Portland, and Maine are on the more expensive side. We'll see what we end up with. I am never, ever doing neighbors again, at least sharing the same fricken wall. What a stupid concept townhouses, duplexes, etc. are.
Also, I'm typing this blog on my new keyboard as well. I noticed the super slim, wireless keyboard on Amazon that I saw at Best Buy a while back for only $25, so I said why not. I did use Laura's myriad of $25 Amazon gift certificates, so it was actually free. It took a few days to get used to the "laptop feel", but now it's great. I love the laptop keyboard feel.
Anyway, until next time. Maybe I'll try and do one last blog for this year and wrap it up while I'm in OK for Christmas. I'm taking nearly 2 weeks off, so that's cool.
See ya.
This year we decided to have Thanksgiving with my Mom and sister in Niwot. It was a good time. Nephew and nieces are certainly weird! After the Thanksgiving lunch/dinner, I took some family photos of their family. Turned out okay, I think. I still need to practice people photography.
Laura and I are slowly getting into the mode of moving...well, at least I am! She has gotten interviews at 10 different places. It really sucks that we don't know where we'll be going until late February. She has to fly all around in mid-January, which is going to cost a shit-ton of money. I wish they would at least pay for the travel expenses if they get into the respective place they're interviewing at. Anyway, I think our main choices so far are Portland, OR, Oklahoma City, OK and Augusta, MA. I will probably tag along with her on the Maine interview. We're still not quite sure where we'll put our choices in order. It's a tough decision as there are a lot of factors that affect the decision.
Kip and Callie are both doing well. Being dicks as always! In a couple days we're heading down to Fort Collins for Ellen's graduation on Saturday. I'll bring my camcorder to take some videos of it all.
Other than that I'm getting more and more excited to leave our hell hole. I have been spending some time at working researching homes for rent. The best seems to be Oklahoma City in terms of housing prices and what you get for it. It's pretty awesome. Denver, Portland, and Maine are on the more expensive side. We'll see what we end up with. I am never, ever doing neighbors again, at least sharing the same fricken wall. What a stupid concept townhouses, duplexes, etc. are.
Also, I'm typing this blog on my new keyboard as well. I noticed the super slim, wireless keyboard on Amazon that I saw at Best Buy a while back for only $25, so I said why not. I did use Laura's myriad of $25 Amazon gift certificates, so it was actually free. It took a few days to get used to the "laptop feel", but now it's great. I love the laptop keyboard feel.
Anyway, until next time. Maybe I'll try and do one last blog for this year and wrap it up while I'm in OK for Christmas. I'm taking nearly 2 weeks off, so that's cool.
See ya.