About 2 months ago, I decided that Black Rebel Motorcycle Club was my new favorite band. Oftentimes, I decide I love a band many years after they first come to the scene. I'm just delayed. Joe, in his love for up and coming bands and small, intimate rock shows, is teaching me how to discover new talent. He's really good at it. He has a good ear for what will be popular. And he knows music.
ANYWAY...
After listening to BRMC over and over on my iPod, I went to Pollstar to see if they were touring. What luck! They were coming to Cincinnati/Covington, KY for a show at a little rock club called The Mad Hatter. No shows in Columbus or Cleveland.
I convince Joe that a weekend rock trip is needed. He agrees.
I buy the tickets.
A day after I buy the tickets, I hear a promotion on CD101 - BRMC is holding a private show at Skully's at the end of April sponsored by Jack Daniels. Skully's is within walking distance to our house. Go figure.
About a month goes by and CD101 Day approaches. CD101 Day is a show at the LC that is only $5, put on by the local radio station. They showcase several local and up and coming bands. Our friend Matt had tickets he wasn't going to use, so he gave them to us.
In our research of the bands that were playing (The Whigs, Zox, The Switches, The Duke Spirit, and Von Iva, among others), Joe determines that The Duke Spirit will be the best band. He doesn't like Von Iva. I do, since they're kinda techno-y. I've since changed my mind after buying their album, though.
Anyway, we get to CD 101 day a bit late (we were hungover from the night before - The New Pornographers with Okkervil River - free tix I won from being a CSCC student). We were able to catch the end of The Duke Spirit. We were pretty bummed that we missed most of their set, as they sounded awesome.
A couple days later, I'm checking out things on the internet in preparation for our KY roadtrip. The Duke Spirit is opening for BRMC!! We couldn't have been happier.
In the weeks following this discovery and CD101 day, we try and try and try to win tix to the private BRMC show. No luck.
Fast foward to April 18th. I'm pretty neurotic and make sure we leave on time. We stop at Sonic for fuel and begin our voyage. We have an awesome hotel in a great location in Mainstrasse in Covington. Being the walkers that we are, we hike our way around town. We actually heard a "Where's Jim Bob?" and a "Is Johnny Boy home?" No joke.
We eat tons of potato pancakes and order a huge beer pitcher. So huge, we have to give it away to a thirsty group of preppy, pregaming boys.
Finally, we get to the venue and get in line. Joe snaps pictures and brags about how he thinks he saw someone from the band - a guy in a red shirt and black vest.
The Mad Hatter is a converted strip club. The stage is really low to the ground. It is also very smoky, since it is KY.
We head to the front of the stage. Primo view! I've never been that close to a major band.
The Duke Spirit are awesome! You really need to check them out. They're kinda a watery, smoky Bijork-y sound.
About 4 songs into the BRMC set, we decide that we're smoked out and peopled out, so we head to the back and sit on a vacant couch and watch The Duke Spirit play pool with their crew. Then we head outside for a breath of fresh air. Joe runs into the red shirted black vested guy again - Olly. Drummer for the Duke Spirit. Joe compliments him on a great show. Olly stops to talk to us. And talk. And talk. We tell him how we loved seeing them at the CD101 day show and we traveled down to this one. He thought it was great as he wasn't used to people traveling to see bands in the UK. We tell him about the private BRMC show that we can't win tix to.
"We don't have any friends in Columbus. We'll get you on the list."
He then introduces us to his tour manager, who explains how we can get on the list. Then, he takes his picture with us.
It was awesome! We have a new UK friend! In a talented band, nonetheless!
I don't even remember the rest of the BRMC show. I know it was good. I know they played a looong time. I know they played all of my favorite songs.
I don't remember getting home very much, but I did end up somehow with an extra, free, takeout box of chocolate chip pecan waffle house waffles. with syrup. and a stolen spoon in my new BRMC tote bag I bought at the show. apparently.
We spent the rest of the week visiting with Dustin and Heather.
Yesterday, I get an email from Jack Daniels. So does Joe. We've both won tickets for us and a guest to the BRMC show. But we have to show ID because we'll be on a list. (maybe 2 times now?) So, we're having problems trying to figure out how and if we can get our friends to the show.
And I have nursing aide class, which is mandatory because it is state governed, so we can't make it to see The Duke Spirit in the Big Room :( At least I can see the show though!!
The moral of the story is - BRMC is great. Drink Jack Daniels. And, above all...
listen to the Duke Spirit!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Tooth Model
Today started with a 3 at 6:30 (AM) on CD 101 with Muse, my favorite band. I was pretty happy--a good start to the day. I went to Microbio lecture and then headed off to work. My coworkers had hidden a boston cream pie at my desk. (Another coworker had brought it in to thank us for covering his desk and yesterday, someone in our unit ate all the cupcakes that were brought in for the unit. I never got one and complained, since I like to eat.) So, I got a nice big piece of pie. What a way to start the workday!
I had to go to the dentist today. Everytime I go, I freak out, because this is a fairly new dentist. I had gone to my previous dentist in Lakewood for 22 years. After I switched to one in Columbus, they found my first cavity. I've never felt like a failure so much as I did that day.
Today, however, the dentist informed me that I should be a tooth model. So, if you have any connections, let me know.
Before I left, the hygenist gave me a huge hug. Hygenists are the best. My last hygenist, who I went to for years and years, tried to get me to babysit her kids. I'd totally go into oral hygeine except that I have no desire to smell people's breath all day. Thank you to those who can handle it!
I had to go to the dentist today. Everytime I go, I freak out, because this is a fairly new dentist. I had gone to my previous dentist in Lakewood for 22 years. After I switched to one in Columbus, they found my first cavity. I've never felt like a failure so much as I did that day.
Today, however, the dentist informed me that I should be a tooth model. So, if you have any connections, let me know.
Before I left, the hygenist gave me a huge hug. Hygenists are the best. My last hygenist, who I went to for years and years, tried to get me to babysit her kids. I'd totally go into oral hygeine except that I have no desire to smell people's breath all day. Thank you to those who can handle it!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
I knew Chemistry was worth it!
So, for those of you who are not aware, I am going back to school to pursue a nursing degree. I apply for the program this fall, and will begin in Fall 2009. In the meantime, I am working on pre-requisites and general ed courses for the program. The program I will most likely be doing is an Associate's Degree for those of us who already have Bachelor's degrees. It is a part time night/weekend program, which will be good because I can keep earning my $income$ and go to school. I'd prefer to do a BA to BSN program, but those are full time and I cannot fathom putting myself in debt with student loans just to switch jobs.
Anyway, I have to take Organic and Biochemistry as part of my pre-reqs. Those of you who knew me in college know that the reason I stopped the pre-med track was chemistry. Luckily, however, community college chemistry is not the same.
Last Wednesday, I had chem lab. Our experiment was on Alcohols: soluability in H20 and oxidation. Unfortunately, two of my favorite bands (Louis XIV and Hot Hot Heat) were in concert at the Newport, opening for the Editors (all their songs sound the same, so I didn't know why they were the headliners.) Anyway, Joe and Matt were going, but I had to pass because I can't miss chem lab. It is from 6 until 9:30. I'd miss the first two bands by the time I made it to campus.
I get to Chemistry and my super-awesome lab partners and I finish the experiment by 7:30. I can't believe my luck! I call Joe and Matt answers - the show is sold out. I am crushed. I walk to my car in defeat, and then decide - I WILL BE THERE. So, I hop in my car and I GOOG-411 the Newport. It keeps disconnecting. I try and try and finally get through. "Yes, we're sold out." There's hesitance in her voice though....
Scalpers!
So, I blaze my trail to the Newport. (My class is at the Worthington campus). I get to OSU, screech into one of the parking spots at South Campus Gateway and determine that $1 is worth a paying for parking if I don't end up with tix. Luckily, I had gotten $100 out of the ATM the night before. I stash $40 and some change in one pocket and the rest in the other. I decide that although the original tix were $15 plus service charges (I can't believe they were that cheap!) I will fork over a maximum of $40. I had no choice as I had all $20's. It's not like you can ask a scalper for change after negotiating him down.
I walk toward the Newport. "You selling tickets?" a scalper asks.
"No, I'm buying," I say.
"Oh...well...uh...wait over in the UDF and I'll have you one in 5 minutes."
"Sorry, I'll keep looking, thanks."
Damn, this needs to happen! There's a reason this all fell into place. I've gotta get a ticket!
So, I walk toward the entrance. There's another scalper negotiating with a guy. The guy says "let me go inside and get another $20 from her.."
He walks into the concert hall.
"Hi" I say to the scalper.
"Selling tickets?"
"No, buying."
He yells to his friend (the UDF guy) to see if he has tix. Obviously he does not.
"I have one but this concert is going for $100."
I laugh.
"$50?"
"$40."
"ok."
He gives me that poor other kid's ticket. He watches as I grab it and run inside.
I get inside just to hear my favorite Louis XIV song, "Finding out True Love is Blind." I buy a beer and meet up with the boys. They're on the second level, which is not always open but is my favorite place to watch a show in the Newport.
The show was awesome. HHH rearranged their songs so it was amusing. It was the 4th time I've seen them in concert and it was the best.
During the Editors show, the lead singer of Louis XIV walked past. I chased him, but was unable to catch up with him. On his way back, Matt and Joe grab him and I say hi and shook his hand, complimenting him on a job well done. I was so excited!
We even got free hotdogs when the concession stand gave up and left them out on the counter for people to take. Joe gave one to the "Help is on the way!" bum who hi-fived him and said "Oh, thank you my man! I really do appreciate it. I really do love these dogs!"
I then ran. Literally. Back to my car. Blasting the Brew all the way home.
I love the fates! And alcohol! woohoo!
Anyway, I have to take Organic and Biochemistry as part of my pre-reqs. Those of you who knew me in college know that the reason I stopped the pre-med track was chemistry. Luckily, however, community college chemistry is not the same.
Last Wednesday, I had chem lab. Our experiment was on Alcohols: soluability in H20 and oxidation. Unfortunately, two of my favorite bands (Louis XIV and Hot Hot Heat) were in concert at the Newport, opening for the Editors (all their songs sound the same, so I didn't know why they were the headliners.) Anyway, Joe and Matt were going, but I had to pass because I can't miss chem lab. It is from 6 until 9:30. I'd miss the first two bands by the time I made it to campus.
I get to Chemistry and my super-awesome lab partners and I finish the experiment by 7:30. I can't believe my luck! I call Joe and Matt answers - the show is sold out. I am crushed. I walk to my car in defeat, and then decide - I WILL BE THERE. So, I hop in my car and I GOOG-411 the Newport. It keeps disconnecting. I try and try and finally get through. "Yes, we're sold out." There's hesitance in her voice though....
Scalpers!
So, I blaze my trail to the Newport. (My class is at the Worthington campus). I get to OSU, screech into one of the parking spots at South Campus Gateway and determine that $1 is worth a paying for parking if I don't end up with tix. Luckily, I had gotten $100 out of the ATM the night before. I stash $40 and some change in one pocket and the rest in the other. I decide that although the original tix were $15 plus service charges (I can't believe they were that cheap!) I will fork over a maximum of $40. I had no choice as I had all $20's. It's not like you can ask a scalper for change after negotiating him down.
I walk toward the Newport. "You selling tickets?" a scalper asks.
"No, I'm buying," I say.
"Oh...well...uh...wait over in the UDF and I'll have you one in 5 minutes."
"Sorry, I'll keep looking, thanks."
Damn, this needs to happen! There's a reason this all fell into place. I've gotta get a ticket!
So, I walk toward the entrance. There's another scalper negotiating with a guy. The guy says "let me go inside and get another $20 from her.."
He walks into the concert hall.
"Hi" I say to the scalper.
"Selling tickets?"
"No, buying."
He yells to his friend (the UDF guy) to see if he has tix. Obviously he does not.
"I have one but this concert is going for $100."
I laugh.
"$50?"
"$40."
"ok."
He gives me that poor other kid's ticket. He watches as I grab it and run inside.
I get inside just to hear my favorite Louis XIV song, "Finding out True Love is Blind." I buy a beer and meet up with the boys. They're on the second level, which is not always open but is my favorite place to watch a show in the Newport.
The show was awesome. HHH rearranged their songs so it was amusing. It was the 4th time I've seen them in concert and it was the best.
During the Editors show, the lead singer of Louis XIV walked past. I chased him, but was unable to catch up with him. On his way back, Matt and Joe grab him and I say hi and shook his hand, complimenting him on a job well done. I was so excited!
We even got free hotdogs when the concession stand gave up and left them out on the counter for people to take. Joe gave one to the "Help is on the way!" bum who hi-fived him and said "Oh, thank you my man! I really do appreciate it. I really do love these dogs!"
I then ran. Literally. Back to my car. Blasting the Brew all the way home.
I love the fates! And alcohol! woohoo!
Monday, December 3, 2007
The Bachelorette Sickness
I’ve been sick for over a week. Typically, this would be something that I can deal with and don’t have to worry about, but I was scheduled to host Alex’s bachelorette party at my house. So, I had to focus all my energy on feeling good enough to clean the house, get everything prepped, and party the night away.
Last Tuesday, I rested on the couch watching TV specials about Richard Ramirez. Now, those of you who knew me in high school may recall that I was very intrigued by serial killers. Not in the weird psycho crazy way, but enough so that I aspired to be just like Dana Scully and work for the FBI as a medical examiner or forensic profiler. Sure, I dropped out of the pre-med track in college, but I did graduate with a degree in psychology, got a job with the government, and work with medical information on a daily basis. Not quite the same thing, but whatever.
Wednesday, I made it to work but not for long. I left after lunch and headed home to sleep. Thursday, I called off and spent the day on the couch. By Friday, I was starting to lose my voice and was not feeling much better. But, I had to go on with preparations for the party, so I worked at cleaning the house and Kristen came over to make penis cookies. We had a good time drinking liquor and baking. Then I decided I had to practice maintaining my stamina, so I met up with Matt and his friends. This resulted in a trip to White Castle. Up until that point, I had only had White Castle once, and I do not recall much of it except that it was to commemorate watching Harold and Kumar with Alex and Mgan. That being said, it is no wonder my memory is a bit foggy, as we were notorious for our memory impairing hobbies in those days. Alcohol, however, does not have quite the same impact and so I do remember this second experience much better. It wasn’t too bad. I recommend the mozzarella sticks and the little chicken sandwich thingies.
Saturday, I awoke to pretty much no voice. I ran some more errands, doped myself up on cold medicine, and got to work finishing the house cleaning. Alex and Ashley showed up early in the afternoon and the festivities began.
I miss my partying days. My trip with Robin to visit Steph in Milwaukee made me yearn for the days of yore where we used to tear it up on the dance floor. Saturday night was no different. Kristen, Ashley, Mary, Catherine, Patty Jr., Alex, and I hit the streets. Well, Mary was pregnant, so after dinner we threw her in a cab so she could go home and rest ;) But, Saturday was like the old days. We spent the night at our old stomping grounds, Brother’s. I can’t tell you the last time I was there! We danced and drank. Patty Jr. invited the infamous Joe Ferg to come out with us. Forget the strippers – for Alex, this was better. She was in bachelorette heaven. Lots of drama ensued, much like the old days. I swear it was like we stepped back in time. Toward the end of the night, Alex had enjoyed a little too much liquor, so Kristen dragged her home. Apparently, Ashley, Catherine, Patty Jr., and I stayed. There are pictures. I remember dancing with some little dude, very much like the little man we met in Milwaukee. Except this guy kept trying to grab my boobs, so I ditched him. I went outside to make more drunk dials (BTW thank you for your patience people I called and texted :) ) and was cornered by this Steve Buchemi looking guy who claimed to be “30” and wanting to buy me a drink. I was alone and going with the flow, so I went with it. I ordered a Guinness and proved to be a much stronger beer drinker than he. Then the girls grabbed me and dragged me home.
We arrived to a very passed out Alex on my shiny clean porcelain throne. Catherine managed to carry her to the couch. We then sat around chatting, talking about the night, and ordered pizza online. The last thing I remember is talking with the neighbor guys on the porch with Catherine.
Then after that I woke up at around 7 AM in my bed. Sick as a dog. No voice whatsoever.
I wasn’t as sick as poor Alex, though. It took her whole day to recover, sleeping and sleeping and popping Advil. Luckily, she was in good shape around 6 when it was time to take Ashley to the airport.
Joe got home around then, and we spent the rest of the night relaxing. His nose, however, was stuffy. We awoke this morning, both of us really sick. I still couldn’t sleep and Joe was in bad shape. I had to take today off as well. So, I’ve spent the past two days sleeping and eating. And I’m still not feeling exceptional. Unfortunately, I’m so behind at work that I have to go in tomorrow. At least my voice seems to be coming back and the runny stuffy nose has subsided and left a nice big honking red, chapped rudolph nose in it's wake - perfect for the holiday season!
So, that’s been my week.
Congratulations Alex! I can’t wait for the wedding!!
Last Tuesday, I rested on the couch watching TV specials about Richard Ramirez. Now, those of you who knew me in high school may recall that I was very intrigued by serial killers. Not in the weird psycho crazy way, but enough so that I aspired to be just like Dana Scully and work for the FBI as a medical examiner or forensic profiler. Sure, I dropped out of the pre-med track in college, but I did graduate with a degree in psychology, got a job with the government, and work with medical information on a daily basis. Not quite the same thing, but whatever.
Wednesday, I made it to work but not for long. I left after lunch and headed home to sleep. Thursday, I called off and spent the day on the couch. By Friday, I was starting to lose my voice and was not feeling much better. But, I had to go on with preparations for the party, so I worked at cleaning the house and Kristen came over to make penis cookies. We had a good time drinking liquor and baking. Then I decided I had to practice maintaining my stamina, so I met up with Matt and his friends. This resulted in a trip to White Castle. Up until that point, I had only had White Castle once, and I do not recall much of it except that it was to commemorate watching Harold and Kumar with Alex and Mgan. That being said, it is no wonder my memory is a bit foggy, as we were notorious for our memory impairing hobbies in those days. Alcohol, however, does not have quite the same impact and so I do remember this second experience much better. It wasn’t too bad. I recommend the mozzarella sticks and the little chicken sandwich thingies.
Saturday, I awoke to pretty much no voice. I ran some more errands, doped myself up on cold medicine, and got to work finishing the house cleaning. Alex and Ashley showed up early in the afternoon and the festivities began.
I miss my partying days. My trip with Robin to visit Steph in Milwaukee made me yearn for the days of yore where we used to tear it up on the dance floor. Saturday night was no different. Kristen, Ashley, Mary, Catherine, Patty Jr., Alex, and I hit the streets. Well, Mary was pregnant, so after dinner we threw her in a cab so she could go home and rest ;) But, Saturday was like the old days. We spent the night at our old stomping grounds, Brother’s. I can’t tell you the last time I was there! We danced and drank. Patty Jr. invited the infamous Joe Ferg to come out with us. Forget the strippers – for Alex, this was better. She was in bachelorette heaven. Lots of drama ensued, much like the old days. I swear it was like we stepped back in time. Toward the end of the night, Alex had enjoyed a little too much liquor, so Kristen dragged her home. Apparently, Ashley, Catherine, Patty Jr., and I stayed. There are pictures. I remember dancing with some little dude, very much like the little man we met in Milwaukee. Except this guy kept trying to grab my boobs, so I ditched him. I went outside to make more drunk dials (BTW thank you for your patience people I called and texted :) ) and was cornered by this Steve Buchemi looking guy who claimed to be “30” and wanting to buy me a drink. I was alone and going with the flow, so I went with it. I ordered a Guinness and proved to be a much stronger beer drinker than he. Then the girls grabbed me and dragged me home.
We arrived to a very passed out Alex on my shiny clean porcelain throne. Catherine managed to carry her to the couch. We then sat around chatting, talking about the night, and ordered pizza online. The last thing I remember is talking with the neighbor guys on the porch with Catherine.
Then after that I woke up at around 7 AM in my bed. Sick as a dog. No voice whatsoever.
I wasn’t as sick as poor Alex, though. It took her whole day to recover, sleeping and sleeping and popping Advil. Luckily, she was in good shape around 6 when it was time to take Ashley to the airport.
Joe got home around then, and we spent the rest of the night relaxing. His nose, however, was stuffy. We awoke this morning, both of us really sick. I still couldn’t sleep and Joe was in bad shape. I had to take today off as well. So, I’ve spent the past two days sleeping and eating. And I’m still not feeling exceptional. Unfortunately, I’m so behind at work that I have to go in tomorrow. At least my voice seems to be coming back and the runny stuffy nose has subsided and left a nice big honking red, chapped rudolph nose in it's wake - perfect for the holiday season!
So, that’s been my week.
Congratulations Alex! I can’t wait for the wedding!!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
The Mountain
And, yes, we did go to Seattle a couple of weeks ago.
And, yes, it was a great time.
And, yes, it felt like home.
And, yes, the mountain is ridiculous and huge and frightening and thrilling.
And, yes, I loved the Seattle DDS office.
And, yes, it is expensive as all hell to live out there.
And, yes, it would be worth it.
And, yes, I am even more addicted to Starbucks then I have ever been in the past.
And, yes, we saw the original Starbucks.
And, yes, we saw people smoking crack in public.
And, yes, we were stared at for dressing in business attire during the workweek (the layered casual look 24-7 is my dream come true)
And, yes, we didn't hear a single bad song at all during the entire trip.
But, no, we have not made a decision yet.
However, if I could spend every day of the rest of my life catching a glimpse of Mt. Rainier, I need not ask for anything more.
And, yes, it was a great time.
And, yes, it felt like home.
And, yes, the mountain is ridiculous and huge and frightening and thrilling.
And, yes, I loved the Seattle DDS office.
And, yes, it is expensive as all hell to live out there.
And, yes, it would be worth it.
And, yes, I am even more addicted to Starbucks then I have ever been in the past.
And, yes, we saw the original Starbucks.
And, yes, we saw people smoking crack in public.
And, yes, we were stared at for dressing in business attire during the workweek (the layered casual look 24-7 is my dream come true)
And, yes, we didn't hear a single bad song at all during the entire trip.
But, no, we have not made a decision yet.
However, if I could spend every day of the rest of my life catching a glimpse of Mt. Rainier, I need not ask for anything more.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
So, back to that Seattle thing...
Events have been rather crazy lately. I'm sick of my job and sick of Columbus. I feel as if I'm going nowhere and after having lived in the Short North/Victorian Village neighborhood of Columbus for over a year, I'm starting to feel like I've seen it all.
Joe has been feeling this way too. The problem is that two people with a Bachelor's in Psychology can't go many places. We're lucky with the job we have -- it pays enough to live comfortably, it's secure, and it's flexible. But, it is a state job. Meaning, if you "moved around within the company" you'd just move around within the state. Ohio. I've lived here for 26 years of my life and I have 26 years to go until retirement. That is my entire life I've already lived! That leaves me feeling hopeless.
Joe found the silver lining in August, when he came across a job announcement for what we do, but for the State of Washington. I did some research and found that there were three offices -- Spokane, Olympia, and Seattle. If we were to leave, we'd have to do it now. No house. No kids. No responsibilities. We latched on halfheartedly to the idea of moving to Spokane. The cost of living is ridiculously cheap. Beautiful wilderness. But the more research we did, the more we realized that it was out in the middle of nowhere. The idea of no concerts (besides the promise of Ted Nugent at the Indian Reservation Casino), no nearby "big cities," and other sources of entertainment was severely disappointing. But, I applied anyway. And, I put in for Seattle and Olympia for good measure. What the hell, it wasn't like I lost anything in applying.
Weeks went by and I never heard anything. Oh well, it gave me hope for a moment. But a relocation to somewhere over 2500 miles away was a little drastic and crazy, right?
Suddenly, I get a call from the Seattle DDS Chief. He didn't realize I was on their certification list, but he's interested. He had another person applying, so I told him to give that person a job, but keep me in mind for future endeavors. Still, I wasn't thinking anything would come of it.
September rolls around, and with that comes the NADE Conference (Blue Elf Shoe trip). Joe and I chatted up the Washington delegates. We met a woman who transferred to Seattle from the Utah DDS. She gave us the lowdown from the view of someone coming from another state. She told us she was glad she made the choice.
The Monday after we get back from South Dakota, they've posted for supervisor in our office. I'm eligible, and my chances were high. Despite my reservations and my sincere desire to possibly pursue the Washington gig, I applied. I put all of my soul (and stress) into the process. I decided that if I don't get the supervisor gig, Washington is meant to happen. If I do, I'm meant to stay in Ohio.
A month goes by.
The week of the test, the Seattle DDS Chief calls me. "I can hire you," he says. I can't believe it. There goes my belief in "fate," or so I think. On the spur of the moment, Joe and I find a cheap flight and hotel in Seattle for Veteran's Day Weekend. I figure, we can see the city, that way we'd know what we were saying no to if need be. If anything, it's just a nice vacation over a long weekend.
Friday, I got my rejection letter. I did not get the supervisor position. The second that letter was handed to me, I was the happiest I had been in months and months. This was it! It was now or never. The signs all pointed to it - a cheap flight to see Seattle, the DDS Chief's weirdly timed call, the fact that I did not get the position. Joe jumped in and called the Chief to let him know he too, would be coming with me.
We are meeting him this Friday, a week after I was dealt my fate. Who knows what will happen?
P.s. If you or anyone you know is interested in subletting a really awesome 2BR duplex in Victorian Village, let me know ;)
Joe has been feeling this way too. The problem is that two people with a Bachelor's in Psychology can't go many places. We're lucky with the job we have -- it pays enough to live comfortably, it's secure, and it's flexible. But, it is a state job. Meaning, if you "moved around within the company" you'd just move around within the state. Ohio. I've lived here for 26 years of my life and I have 26 years to go until retirement. That is my entire life I've already lived! That leaves me feeling hopeless.
Joe found the silver lining in August, when he came across a job announcement for what we do, but for the State of Washington. I did some research and found that there were three offices -- Spokane, Olympia, and Seattle. If we were to leave, we'd have to do it now. No house. No kids. No responsibilities. We latched on halfheartedly to the idea of moving to Spokane. The cost of living is ridiculously cheap. Beautiful wilderness. But the more research we did, the more we realized that it was out in the middle of nowhere. The idea of no concerts (besides the promise of Ted Nugent at the Indian Reservation Casino), no nearby "big cities," and other sources of entertainment was severely disappointing. But, I applied anyway. And, I put in for Seattle and Olympia for good measure. What the hell, it wasn't like I lost anything in applying.
Weeks went by and I never heard anything. Oh well, it gave me hope for a moment. But a relocation to somewhere over 2500 miles away was a little drastic and crazy, right?
Suddenly, I get a call from the Seattle DDS Chief. He didn't realize I was on their certification list, but he's interested. He had another person applying, so I told him to give that person a job, but keep me in mind for future endeavors. Still, I wasn't thinking anything would come of it.
September rolls around, and with that comes the NADE Conference (Blue Elf Shoe trip). Joe and I chatted up the Washington delegates. We met a woman who transferred to Seattle from the Utah DDS. She gave us the lowdown from the view of someone coming from another state. She told us she was glad she made the choice.
The Monday after we get back from South Dakota, they've posted for supervisor in our office. I'm eligible, and my chances were high. Despite my reservations and my sincere desire to possibly pursue the Washington gig, I applied. I put all of my soul (and stress) into the process. I decided that if I don't get the supervisor gig, Washington is meant to happen. If I do, I'm meant to stay in Ohio.
A month goes by.
The week of the test, the Seattle DDS Chief calls me. "I can hire you," he says. I can't believe it. There goes my belief in "fate," or so I think. On the spur of the moment, Joe and I find a cheap flight and hotel in Seattle for Veteran's Day Weekend. I figure, we can see the city, that way we'd know what we were saying no to if need be. If anything, it's just a nice vacation over a long weekend.
Friday, I got my rejection letter. I did not get the supervisor position. The second that letter was handed to me, I was the happiest I had been in months and months. This was it! It was now or never. The signs all pointed to it - a cheap flight to see Seattle, the DDS Chief's weirdly timed call, the fact that I did not get the position. Joe jumped in and called the Chief to let him know he too, would be coming with me.
We are meeting him this Friday, a week after I was dealt my fate. Who knows what will happen?
P.s. If you or anyone you know is interested in subletting a really awesome 2BR duplex in Victorian Village, let me know ;)
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Dumnezeu sa’o ierte!
that's how us Romanians say "Rest in Peace."
Leopold died tonight. I didn't expect him to be the one that didn't make it, since he was the feisty one. Oh well. We found out that there was too much ammonia in the water because I was feeding them too much.
See? Love kills. Don't do it folks.
Rest in Peace, Leopold.
Dummezeu sa'o ierte!
Leopold died tonight. I didn't expect him to be the one that didn't make it, since he was the feisty one. Oh well. We found out that there was too much ammonia in the water because I was feeding them too much.
See? Love kills. Don't do it folks.
Rest in Peace, Leopold.
Dummezeu sa'o ierte!
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