Kitty!

We welcome to our family "Sir" Thomas, or more commonly called Tom or TomKitty. He's about three years old and about 14 lbs. He's been taking to the apartment really nicely and is proving to be my cat (hanging out with me on the couch, meowing at me constantly, really lets me pet him). He and Andrew are getting along pretty well, but I think Tom is still a bit scared of him, and Andrew is still figuring out what it means to live with a cat.

Personality-wise, he's a mellow cat, but quite the attention-whore. He doesn't really scratch or bite unless you've ticked him off just right. Oh, and he gives kitty-kisses, which is quite cute.

Happy New Year!

...and hopefully this year will be a great year

though, not like 2008 ended horribly....

As you all know, I went back home to Seattle for Christmas and this is what it looked like off the deck in the back:

(you got to love the little pathway carved out by the dog)

I think it was at least a foot and a half deep once we got there, and it stayed and kept snowing all through Christmas and the day after...

Anyway, I should back up a bit...

To be able to take my vacation and still get pay given that I am still in my "probation period," I worked mega hours at MIRTHE, trying to get the annual report out before the end of the year - Volume II was completed just 45 minutes before Andrew had to pick me up to go to the train station to get to Newark. Now, the mega hours were more in trying to get the report done before I left, not necessarily to have money.

Okay, so I worked, then took the train to Newark Liberty Int'l Airport and got on a 6-hour flight - all without a hitch! Luckily, we flew when there was a break in the weather - no problems leaving, no problems getting into SeaTac, not a single problem to get up to the in-law's house (big, big hill, and we know how Seattle is with maintaining their roads when covered with ice and snow). And of course, got into the house and a big, black furry thing was more than happy to see me (I scratched him for a good 30 minutes before he was thinking about being content)

And then it snowed again.

Of course, since I've been busy with work and had to travel, I had to do a bit of last minute Christmas shopping, plus everyone wanted out of the house while the 4-wheel-drive could still get up and down the hill. Shopping on the 24th in Bell-Square wasn't bad at all, thanks to the weather, and was highly successful where it only took 15 minutes to find Andrew's gift at Macy's (all other gifts were coming via FedEx or mail...) Unfortunately, I hitched a ride home in Keith's XB (he had the opportunity to make it down the hill and get a satallite radio installed in it) and ended up walking back up to the house. Never again will I do that in my Danskos in 18 inches of snow (but I guess I had to at least experience it, right?)

And it continued to snow - Newport Covenant cancelled Christmas Eve service... but we still had our nice ham dinner that night.

Christmas day - opened gifts, baked sugary stuff, baked crescent rolls, couldn't get out of the house, got bored. Highlights to the gifts this year:
- money for stuff, like Seattle art (which we finally purchased on the day we left- took three times total in trying to go to the artist's shop in Pike Place Market to browse and purchase when he was open) and food
- Kitchen aid standing mixer jucing attachment, which Nancy was willing to trade in and pay some extra to get me a new 5-speed hand mixer (snow and Andrew kept her from doing so in the first place - currently waiting for the package to show up here in Princeton)
- pretty sapphire/diamond necklace from Andrew (and he finally learned how to pull one over me - for those of you curious, bug me and I'll let you know how he did it - let's just learned that he learned that it's good to lie to me, especially when it comes to buying me something)

The days after Christmas kind of run together on me - still snowed in, and trying to reccouperate from all the work that I did prior to the vacay - let's say that I napped a lot.

Though, a couple other highlights of the trip to Seattle - got to see Becky and Danielle. Oh, and we hit up our favorite food places that we can't get in Princeton: Taco Del Mar and Kidd Valley (at Coulon, mind you)

Coming back to Princeton was rather bitter sweet. Before even finishing my packing, I got a call from work asking if I could go in Wednesday. Now, our plane left Seattle at 4 PST and got into Newark 12 EST, with a train ride after that - we got home at 2 am Wednesday morning - at least they were cool with me coming in at noon. Apparently, Volume I still had a lot of work to do. Also, Seattle is still home, and coming back to Princeton still doesn't feel quite like home.

Anyway, went into work Wednesday and I practically got to pick up right where I left off. We all still had New Year's off, but I went back in today and worked 9.5 hours - and Princeton called today a holiday, so hopefully some extra moola there. I begged out of going in tomorrow, since I'm still waiting on sections to be completed before I can format them in my uber-word document, but I will be going in Sunday since this thing needs to be at the printers ASAP on Monday... At least the good news is that I still have a day of comp time to use, so maybe once this thing is at NSF I can take an extended weekend...

And don't get me started on Word 2007... I hate how it likes to stylize my copied-over text, default font of Calibri 11 pt (not Times New Roman 12 pt, which is what this document needs to be in for the majority of it), and how even though if you save it as a 97-2003 document all is well but actually isn't...

*sigh*

Anyway, one of the reasons to make tomorrow a day off (besides I didn't get my full vacation) is that Andrew and I will be looking at kitties to adopt. Any tips/suggestions, please leave a comment - I don't want to feel like a faluire again...

That should be it for now - sorry to post so long, life is busy with work and otherwise boring. If we're successful at adoption with a new kitty family member, I'll be sure to post all about it with pictures.

ta-ta for now

I guess that I should post something...

... just to let everyone know that I am still alive.

First, I think a quote from a movie I watched on tv over the weekend (okay, not verbatim): "Don't you think I wake up every morning and wonder what I'm doing in New Jersey?!?" (from The Family Man, quoted by Tea Leoni's character.) Amen sister.

Life is going along here in NJ. Been doing the work thing and then trying to keep warm under a quilt as I veg in front of the tv. This coming week, I get to go down to Bethesda, MD with the rest of the team for the ERC (engineering research center) annual meeting. Hopefully Andrew will be able to survive on his own.

Thanksgiving was wonderful this year - hung out with a bunch of folk from GCF (graduate christian fellowship) who were still in town for the weekend. I of course brought the crescent rolls (made from a family recipe.) Great conversation, got to meet some parents of others in the group, and eventually wound up watching the first in the LOTR trilogy, viewing sessions of the other two movies (extended edition) to occur sometime in the future. A good, long, people-filled day.

Haven't really done much for the rest of the weekend. I had aspirations of doing the annual tree-lighting in Palmer Square (near campus) but found that the last few weeks of working caught up with me and made me want to nap on the couch. Also had plans of going to the Atlantic Coast yesterday, but upon investigation, figured that it would be better to head over there with warmer weather and more to do. An hour at a crafts fair that I found was not going to justify 2.5 hours of driving over there.

I'd talk more about my weeks, but nothing to say much there. Slowly I'm figuring out what I should be doing and how to interact with some people. After we come back from Bethesda, we will be in crunch time to get the annual report out the door by the 17th. Hopefully our faculty will give us the rest of the information we need...

Oh, and I should note that I have practically convinced Andrew about getting a cat. I'm still hoping for a Maine Coon (most dog-like cat breed out there). Guess the slightly elevated blood pressure, joking that my doctor should prescribe me to adopt a pet (seriously, best BP readings occurred during the month of August while living with Rocky), depression as I struggle with getting adjusted here, and companionship of a furry lap warmer has got Andrew thinking - and a cat would fit our lifestyles and accomodations better right now as much as we would like a doggie, preferably of the retriver/lab variety. If we get a cat, it would be after the new year...

Anyway, I think that's about it. I might change up the blog a bit - start a couple of new categories along the right side bar. Keep an eye out for those and updates on those.

Update/Brain Dump

Yes, it's been a while. Been working, and adjusting to working, which translates to me coming home and ploping down on the couch until it's time for bed.

Also, what doesn't help is that I managed to get some sort of stomach bug. Woke up early Monday morning just as sick as can be, called in sick after my alarm went off, and was very thankful for water to finally stay down. I'm still recovering a bit, but I can at least eat again. Still not drinking as much fluid as I normally do, so I guess I'm drinking like a normal person, but that's of course translating to me still being dehydrated.

Job is going okay. Though honestly I am really starting to wonder if it's THE job for me. I really don't have a sense as to what my job description really is (and the fun is that I eventually need to provide a 1-2 sentence short description for upload on the main PRISM site). Also don't really have a sense of purpose. So far, I am collecting information for the annual report and doing the miscellaneous tasks that come down my way as people think of them. I understand that they need someone in this position, but as I'm going through this day by day, I am starting to feel like it requires a more out-going personality, which I am not. I'm very shy. And I need a sense of accomplishment - everything seems to be on-going. I like the people, the hours, and the commute, just not necessarily liking the position.

Maybe this is all because I've been sick and really missing my life back in Seattle...

Andrew has been busy with school - NSF proposal was due today, which he submitted last night, and he's been consumed with coursework, and of course you need to add on there that he needs to meet with so many professors before submitting his picks for thesis projects.

Boy would I love to have my 110-pound black lab here convincing me to scratch him.

The apartment is a mess, need to do laundry, need to grocery shop, but I really don't want to do it, but I know it's driving me nuts. Andrew finds that he cannot work here at the desk, so the "office" really isn't being used, especially since I haven't sewn since I started the job.

I feel so alone...

What am I doing here?

Where should I be?

I'll be home for Christmas...

We booked plane tickets. Flying to Seattle on the 23rd and then flying back to NJ on the 30th. Ideally after talking a bit with one of my supervisors, this is cool (especially since he started talking about the opportunity of picking up some comp time to use for the holidays). I'm just a little worried that I needed to clear the time off completely before booking the tickets... but we needed to book the tickets before the prices were even more insane or completely booked. I'm sure I'm fine.

But yay! I get to go back to Seattle for a week!

Mystery solved

So, the main aerial shot of "Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital" in House is actaully Frist Center, equivalent to the UW HUB. Actually, you are seeing the backside of Frist, the lower floor is dining, and if you look to the building to the left of the "hospital"/Frist, that is McCosh Health Center, yes, Hall Health...

Jury is still out for the aerial shot of the river and bridge - we're currently thinking it's the Lake Carnegie and the bridge is a part of Washington Road... still need to investigate further...

Though, I guess I could google or wikipedia this and someone would tell me the correct locales.

***Edit: it appears that I am most definitely right about Frist - you know Wikipedia is the ultimate source of needed knowledge...

The weather's broke

okay... it's snowing... not sticking... but there are definite white flakes falling.

come on now... it's October...

I know that I'm in New Jersey, but still...

Fully moved...

Well, the last piece of the puzzle has been placed. The car is now registered in New Jersey and has NJ plates, which I must say are really boring - they're yellow. No more pretty mountain riding with us, but at least I have the plates for memory sake. The Elantra doesn't look right any more and the plate number is wierd. I liked URV...

Registration in NJ is different - if you are financing your car (which Andrew is), then you have to send paperwork to the lien holder for them to release the title to NJ, then you get a call to say that they have your title so that you can then go in to register the car. After registering the car and getting your plates, you then get to drive over to the inspection center and wait forever to have them figure out if they can use their new OBD technology or have to emission imspect the old-fashioned way (which the guy working on our car had to do). At least it's two years before we have to do that again.

Also finally got the new parking validiation sticker for Princeton's campus, and Parking Services now has the new plates.

Dangit - I'm definitely a New Jersey resident now. However, I will always be a Seattlite and Washintonian, and I will forever a Dawg that bleeds purple.

Update...

It is cold. And the heater here sucks. And we can't put space heaters in the place here - they're banned like the George Foreman Grill at the UW dorms... Guess I need to bake more (the oven heats up the place nicely :) ), but then forget about trying to shed those pounds that need shedding...

Other good news to share, but I will post about that once it's official. Maybe you all can guess what it is.

Still missing Seattle and everyone there. Definitely did not help when Andrew and I could catch the UW Homecoming game on TV (yay for satelite and getting VS). I didn't really watch much of it because it was sad to watch, but it was nice to see that it was a pretty day in Seattle and there are still cranes in B'vue.

She has a power drill and figured out how to use it!

Finally, after a month I have finished the decorating of the new place, and therefore I have finally taken some pictures. Sorry for the delay, but it took forever to hang things on the wall and I had to make some curtains for the kitchen, office, and for the windows on the doors... and you know me with having an opportunity to sew...

First I should note the size of the place: it's a two bedroom apartment, approximately 670 square feet, so it's kinda hard to get everything in a photo.

To see the pictures, please visit our photobucket album here (blogger/picassa has issues with uploading how I like to upload...)

Okay, now I can finally work on my next project - queen size quilt for the bed. All the fabric has been ironed and appropriately folded, now time to cut all the pieces.

... and next week I can get crackin' on that finding a job thing again....

Homesick

I miss Seattle.

You don't know humid until you are on the East Coast

Okay, according to MSN weather:
Bellevue, WA - Clear, 71
Princeton, NJ - Clear, 88 (and that is now a degree cooler from when I checked 15 minutes ago), with projected high of 92 for the day and a rainy cloud (yeah, that ain't happening)

The good news is that it should cool down this week - low 80's, maybe even in the 70's!

I miss Seattle...

Anyway, I should note that today was my first trip into NYC - went to a Yankee's game. Actually, I went to 1/2 an inning of a Yankee's game. Andrew's friend Justin, planned a trip out to NYC with a friend and invited Andrew and I to join them in the outfield bleachers for a game. Unfortunately, we did not know that it would feel like 96 degrees with the high humidity. Smack-dab, in the sun. The whole time. Hence, why I stuck around for half an inning. I spent the other 3 innings that Andrew survived in the concourse, which quickly became crowded. You know it's too hot out when Andrew only survives 3.5 innings of a ball game.

In other news, I got to experience NJ Transit and the NY Subway. Lots of fun. Though, I will note, I felt like I was in hell for part of it, just because there was A/C only on the trains, not on the platforms. I was constantly hearing Peanut shouting in my ear, "We're in HELL!!!" (hehe)

So, courtesy of MasterCard, here's the breakdown of the day:
* Round-trip ticket on NJ Transit to NY-Penn Station: $20
* Round-trip ride on the Subway (one transfer): $4
* Yankee's ticket in Outfield Bleachers (stub-hub buying route...): $95 (tickets are usually $15)
* Hot Dog: $5
* Water (they were out of soda at the point of buying lunch): $4.75
* Soda (eventually found a stand with soda) in a souviner cup: $6
* Not blacking-0ut or going into heat-stroke due to heat and humidity: PRICELESS

Though, if you calculate my ICA (inning cost average), it's infinite, because you know you have to calculate the inning on a whole number measure, and I did not complete the inning.

Unfortunately, I was not impressed with Yankee Stadium. I can see why they are building a new one across the street. Though, I was spoiled of going to Wrigley just a couple of weeks ago. But at the same time, I went there thinking, "It's hot as hell," rather than thinking of the history of all the great-time Yanks who played there: Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, etc... so I am dissapointed with myself for not thinking of all the history in that stadium, which has had ball games played in it for the past 85 years. That's amazing.

Heh - now I look at weather.com: For the zip code of 08540 (the one I'm in), they say "Mostly cloudy, 87 degrees F, feels like 94 degrees F, Humidity 63%"

Okay, I think it's time to sit in front of a fan and read, with a cold nalgene of water...

Keep cool!

Home Sweet Home

Here's a pic of the outside of the apartment, taken the day we got the keys to the place. Pictures of the inside will come after I get all the wall hangings and pictures up on the walls. And, yes, we know that our downspout needs a little help.

Rain, Rain...

Could someone please contact Mother Nature and let her know that the weather is broken yet again?

As long as it's not like this come Friday... (little sprinkles are okay, actually would be nice so that the course will be more open, but torrential downpour, no)

I guess Seattle is trying to give Andrew and I the full effect of fall before we head out to Jersey.

All in all, good day - spent it with Becky and of course, spending WAY too much money. Southcenter mall is really something different now, and of course, I am one who does not take to change easily. However, all the money I spent was not at the mall, rather another shopping complex down the way. Lane Bryant knows how to get me!

Also, I rule in "I don't have my own ball and shoes" bowling. Victorious both games. :)

Maybe I'll drop in on the Eastgate Quilters tomorrow...

Now, where is the ice cream Andrew said he'd prepare for me?

Only becuase...

I had to open my big mouth and announce I finally found a picture that I liked for my profile picture, but I had to crop Andrew out and so he had to put up a stink (the picture of me comes from one of our engagement photos). So, here is a lovely photo from our wedding:
Ain't he cute?

Okay, okay - here's one of the two of us during the sunset that graciously came about during our reception at Golden Gardens:Cute couple, eh?

... I still love my dress :)

Rocky for President!

(finally posting this after discovering that blogger DID save a draft before I encountered the blue screen of death that was actually black... below was originally written Sunday night, but with some editing from today:)

After a lively dinner conversation with the Olympics on in the background with a McCain ad during a commercial break, the topic of political candidates came about and I think I found our solution during this time.

Instead of voting for Obama or McCain, let me suggest another candidate to you, that I think you should write into your ballot - Rocky Ritzmann.

The consensus around the dinner table concluded that our country would be better run by the family dog, who even through his loveable limitations, can be perceived smarter than any presidential candidate.

So, I present you Rocky -

His response to Alternative Energy? "Why worry about using costly fuel? Take your dog for a walk and walk everywhere you need to go."

His response to War in Iraq? "Iraq? Never heard of it? Why does it matter? Now, why don't you scratch me?"

His response to the Economy? "More treats for dogs - all dogs will be happier, more money will be spent at the grocery store and more jobs in doggie treats factories. Now, how about one of those goodies?"

His plan for Foreign Policy? "I'll meet another nation's leader and all issues up for debate will be resolved over a good long scratch. By the time I'm contented from all the petting, he will forget what we were going to talk about and feel more peaceful. I will be the best peace-maker this world has ever seen!"

Now, I know, you are all wondering how will we know what his decisions are? Quite simple: Congress will present the issues to Rocky and he will respond with a simple yes/no decision - Yes: Tongue hanging out, tail wagging; No: Growls. However, there will be some topics that he will not feel like it's worth a response or the time (you know, those fun issues that clog the House of Representatives that cause worthy policies to never get the time of day), in those cases he will turn around, lay down, and then proceed to pass gas.








Rocky 2008, America's Dog
(instrumental rendition of America the Beautiful playing in the background)






"I am Rocky, and I approve this ad - now, please give me a goodie!?!"

scheiβe!

let's just say that this day has so far sucked with no indication of it improving at all...

Another weekend come and gone...

and at least this time, I wasn't packing

Spent some quality time with Andrew - the weather was just perfect for golf Saturday, so that's what we did. I was actually doing pretty good - back-to-back drives over 150 yards (some of my longest, prettiest drives yet) and I have improved my technique in putting, but I am still convinced that I need a new putter. I should mention that I have only been golfing for a couple of years now and compared to some of the other ladies on the course, I looked like I knew what I was doing.

Sunday was the Cornell Alumni picnic - just blocks away from Genesse Park (aka, SeaFair/Hydroplanes/BLUE ANGLES!!!) We were at least able to figure out the bus shuttle to get to Genesse Park and luckily did not get lost in the neighborhood. But oh, my, gosh - no way to get closer to the Blue Angles action than to be in the park with everybody else. In fact, after the years spent watching them IN the park, I think I have to say that up the hill at a house, the show was even more spectacular.

Now, what is it with me and airplanes? I guess I'm just my engineer-father's daughter - grew up learning about the wonder and awe of powerful machines... man, I got chills during that performance!

Now, being the Events Registrar at the UWAA, I must say that I wish I had a pre-printed nametag to put on at the Cornell Alum event ;) But all in all, they know how to throw a good BBQ and figure out a great location for an event. Heck! I even won a huge Cornell mug (lots of hot chocolate and great soup mug - just not the two at the same time.) I'll just have to drag Andrew to the Husky Summer Celebration New York BBQ next year - show him how Dawgs really party.

Nothing else really going on - waiting out my time at the UWAA and it's slowly feeling more and more official and like it's time for me to leave (I'm BORED to death). Who knows what's in store for me in Princeton - honestly, I'm looking forward to some time off while looking for a job - sitting at home, working on my quilt, and relaxing with my dog (yay! we can adopt a dog!)

I think that's it for now... still trying to convince myself it's cool to write about nothing... and dinner should be ready soon... mmm... divan...

All my bags are packed and I'm ready to go...

But I'm not leaving on a Jet Plane (though, those are currently roaring overhead - wooo! SeaFair weekend = Blue Angels are in town!!!), rather driving, and in a month...

Phase one of the move is done, with a lot of heavenly help from the fabulous truck driver - wait, we did not see him help us... also with Nancy's help and a dolly with a flat tire (a dolly with a flat is better than no dolly at all!)

Now I'm doing the Bellevue to Seattle commute, but only for a few days (12 to be exact).

So far living with the in-laws is fine. It's funny to hear Keith already lamenting on Andrew and my leaving, and all I can say is: "Wait till the end of the month, you'll be ready to kick us out by then."

But of course, and this should be no surprise to anyone out there who knows of this weird relationship I have, the dog is super-happy to have me around. This is one of the biggest perks to closing out the apartment at this time. I got the best greeting when I finally made it to the house last night and I look forward to that black mass with pink tongue hanging out giving me his gassy rump to scratch. I love that dog :) And for the next month, he'll be my dog. Not just my dog on Sundays.

Then I'll have to wait a little bit before we adopt one in Jersey...

until then, he's my dog and always will be, as he has made me his (from the first day we met, gosh, maybe 7 years ago...)

Suppose I better "work"...

Hello World

Greetings to all of my stalkers!

Okay, I know you're not "stalking" me, but doesn't it sometimes feel like looking a friend's blog is an act of stalking? Especially when you are not actively talking with the person but still curious as to what s/he is up to? I am guilty of feeling that way with some people I have known through the years.

And yet, here I go to the darkside... yes, that means I now am a stalk-ee and give everybody easier access to find out all the deepest, darkest secrets about me, even though I don't think those exist with me. If they do exist, please let me know what those are... I am really clueless as to what is really going on with me sometimes...

Anyway, the reason for the blog. Quite simply, I will be moving away from my hometown of Seattle, Washington to embark on new adventures in Princeton, New Jersey and I hope to let this be a connection with my friends who I am leaving in the Emerald City and the land of the Huskies. Why move there you ask (afterall, it's JERSEY)? For some reason, I feel that I should move there with my husband, Andrew, who will pursuing the life of acedemia again in hopes to become a squirrel as he hopes to earn a PhD in Chemical Engineering (trust me, he belongs there).

What might you find here? Exactly as the current title suggests - random musings about nothing. I tend to have a lot to say, but nothing really worthwhile to say, but I still say it, though that was a bigger habit when I was five years old. So possibly something amusing that went on with the day. Or maybe a struggle I'm going through. Or maybe pictures of a crafty project that I am working on. Or maybe a funny picture. Who knows what will appear, but I hope to be able to blog about something...

We'll see...

:)