I need a job!

Or at least, a different job. I have to do a field study/internship to successfully complete my Master’s degree. I thought I could complete said field study at employed where I am currently, but no such luck. Things move too slowly within government for the project I wished to work on to be ready. Oh, and there were some access issues to the substance I need to do air sampling for as well.

So, I have looked elsewhere. I applied/interviewed for an internship this past Monday, and I think the interview went ok. My interviewing skills are really rough though. I will have to make up my 10 most hated questions to be asked by the interviewer, and come up with answers ahead of time. I really hate the “what is the most ideal situation or job for you right now” question. I know I should have an answer, but I just don’t yet. I haven’t actually done anything remotely like what I’m going to school for yet. I have no experience in the field, and not enough in similar fields to say “I would like this type of job, and this type of company, working with this system…”

My hope is any internship I get will last past the summer and into the school year/through the school year part time. Not that I don’t like my job right now, but…I wouldn’t mind a change of scenery. Plus, I have to find a new job before the end of October because my student position ‘runs out’ then, and I can’t be rehired. Poo. I really would like to start doing a job in my field. This is kinda sorta maybe in my field, if I push it, but the work isn’t challenging – it’s student work. I want a challenge, something to tackle, a project of my own.

< style="font-weight: bold;">Two Bells and All is well

Yes, I’m a procrastinator. Yes, it’s 2AM. Yes, I just finished my paper (which I had three weeks to do, is worth 15% of my grade, and I started at 8PM this night). Why then, am I actually in a good mood, even though I’m exhausted, over caffeinated, and only going to have 4 hours of sleep? Because…I got brownies!!! Yes, my awesome roommate took the time (at 9PM in the nighttime) to purchase brownie mix, grab a pan, and drive to the place I’m housesitting where we could make brownies and study together. After studying for a bit, we took a break and watched the second InuYasha movie that Lance borrowed me. While that was going on, I finished writing my paper by hand (yes, I can still write a paper using an old fashioned pen and paper, with tables and everything). We ate the brownies, then popcorn, and soda. I feel very sugared, and very tired, and plan onheading to bed just as soon as this ancient printer finished taking it’s 30 minutes to print 5 pages. There, finished. I’ll just batten down the hatches, and throw myself into my bunk for four hours before the bell wakes me for my watch in the morn. I really hope that tea and chocolate can keep me going through class and lab tomorrow. Wow…how bad is it when you haven’t even gone to bed and you’re already contemplating how good tomorrow’s nap will feel?!?

Let it Snow!

Or, perhaps not. You know, the weatherpeople shouldn’t give such a buildup like they did yesterday and then not deliver. It’s maddening. We started the week with a chance of snow today, and by Tuesday it was an up to 6 inches storm. By Wednesday it was a foot of snow. Thursday, yesterday, they were back to a cautions 6-9 inches. By last night it was 6-9 inches in the south metro and 3-6 inches in the north metro. This morning I woke up to NO SNOW! Talk about your letdowns. I admit that I’m ready for spring. I want it to be warm and nice and flower-like outside. But, this was to be the great-basketball-tournament-time-snowstorm. It’s tradition. Also, we’ve only had one snowstorm that amounted to lots of snow this year. One! That’s unheard of. We had one other that had 4 inches of snow. The ‘big one’ was only 7-9. Wow. This has been one of the worst winters (for snow) ever. Oh, it was cold, and bleary, but it rained or iced more than it did the pretty white stuff. If I lived on the West Coast, where weather like this is expected, I’d be ok. I, however, live in the Midwest. I remember stories of the “storm of XXXX where 30 inches of snow fell in one day, and 45 in three, and schools were closed, and you had to build tunnels to get out of your house….etc…” I wanted a nice snowy winter. The Farmers Almanac said we were to have one. Where did it go?

I drove into work this morning and it started snowing halfway here. Little October sized flakes, for an piddley little storm. I’m disappointed, distraught, let down. I was looking forward to shovel money. Now all I get is a dirty windshield, sloppy shoes, and a wet dog.

I say wet dog because I’m house/dog sitting this week. Good fun, and I’m actually not dying of allergies. She’s a wonderful dog, though apparently believes that my legs make a comfy bed. I tend to disagree. Still she gives you those eyes… It’s kinda fun to pretend that it’s my house, and that I’m all ‘grown up’ with a real house of my own, and real furnishings that match. I like the house, it’s a style I wouldn’t mind having myself someday…when I have enough stuff to fill an entire house. Right now, I could furnish the kitchen, one of the living/dining/family rooms, and one bedroom. Sparsely. But, I suppose that is why we tend to work our way into real houses.

Last night Katie and Jenny came up and we went to dinner. We were celebrating Katie’s second interview for a real, grown up, permanent teaching job. Good luck today mi amiga! I am working today, and then hope to have something to celebrate w/ her later tonight (though I’m sure she’ll not know right away, she’ll probably have a good inkling.) So that’s that. Oh, and it’s supposed to be 50 on Wednesday next week. Yippee!!!

Mexican food is worse than turkey ...

I spent the weekend doing nothing unlike the last post, where I said I’d be productive. Ok, I was kind of productive. I put some episodes of InuYasha in order on some tapes, so Katie could catch up. I cleaned up my room. I slept and read. I talked to people on the phone. Soon it will be time to get serious. Notice how I didn’t say “right now.” Yeah. I’m all about maybes and whithertos and whyfores. After the first half of this semester, I believe I have earned some leisure time. To bad I won’t be able to use it. I really do have too much to do. I will be house/dog sitting for a coworker for a week and a half, so I figure I’ll have time to do some homework while I’m over there – just me and the dog. Said house has a hot tub, so at least I’ll be able to soak out my aches and pains. I’ll be getting exercise too, as I plan on taking the dog for a walk every day. Maybe we’ll even go running! The most excellent of Thai restaurants lives up in that area as well. I will probably eat there at least twice (which is at least 4 meals…they make a lot of food).

I am really tired today. Another of my coworkers is leaving our section for a different job at the agency, and today was the Official Farewell Luncheon. We went to the Capital View Café – excellent food. They specialize in breakfast, but have lunch foods as well. Mexican American. My whole section is dragging right now. No one has the energy to move. It’s quieter in here now that it has been for ages. Plus, when we got back here, there was cake. I had to find some caffeine just to stay awake. Tonight I may go blading, otherwise perhaps for a walk or run outside. I can’t decide. It’s so nice out, it’s hard to justify staying inside.

What I really need now is a short nap.

Winter, Spring, or Fall?

It is that time of year when the weather really can’t discern one from the other. Today I woke up and it was cold and cloudy. I headed out, and it started snowing. Then it stopped snowing and the sun came out. Then, it got even colder and the wind started and it started to do that kind of wet snowing and blowing-the kind where the cold and damp knife into you and sit within your bones. I feel like I’m never going to be warm again. I’m sitting in a 72 degree office, with long underwear, wool socks, pants, a short sleeve shirt, a long sleeve shirt and a fleece on, and I’ve had a large cup of tea, and I’m still cold. I’ve even eaten, so it’s not because I’m hungry. I’m debating if I can drink another whole cup of tea, or if I should just go get hot water to hold onto in my mug.

I am so happy it is Friday. I don’t know if it’s the weather, or the fact that I know spring break has ‘officially’ started for me, but I’m exhausted. It’s a Friday night and I want nothing more than to curl up in my recliner with a blanket and my book, and to go to bed early. This weekend I have a lot to do, homework wise. I am going to pretend I have school next week and try to get most of the week-after’s homework done. Originally I wanted to go to the Halloween, Alaska and Whisper in the Noise show tonight(Food Team is also playing), but I don’t know anyone who would go with me. Not that I need company to go to a show, but I need the motivation today. I’m either getting old, or I’m just being a very boring person.

One more week…until spring break

I just love this time of year. You can have a 60 degree, sunny, gorgeous spring day and wake up to snow and bitter winds the next. I’m convinced the reason that most Midwesterners are fickle and can’t take a strong point of view on anything is that they grew up learning from the weather. If you don’t like it (or anything here) just wait 10 minutes. Chances are it will change.

Last week we learned just how annoying certain cable companies can be. I really do need to have internet access at home for school purposes…it was not useful to have six days of, “we’re really not sure what’s wrong, except that someone made an open ticket on your account, and until it’s closed, we can’t let you sign on. Terribly sorry about all that, why don’t you call back tomorrow morning and see if anyone has gotten off their high horse and pushed a button. Can we help you with anything else?” On top of that, my computer hiccupped. After a reformat, and some hacking, I managed to get most of my files back off my hard drive, but I had to spend 4 or 5 hours reinstalling programs and doing the nice updates to windows. Did I mention I had a cold? It was lovely, really. Despite all that, it really wasn’t too bad of a week. I managed to finish most of the organizational stuff in the new room, and Katie and I have settled into our new place. We’re set for the next two months, at which point she’ll be moving back up to Three and Jenny will be moving into Two with me.

At least next week is spring break. It should give me a chance to catch up on a few assignments, and prepare for the new class I start (accelerated, and lasts from after spring break until the end of the semester). I applied for an internship in my field for the summer, so fingers crossed that I get that. Now I just need to find that scholarship application I set somewhere safe so I wouldn’t lose it during the move. I just wish that safe places in my house were not also invisible.

Welcome to the K&T B&B

Within the K&T B&B you will find the Rose Room, the Azure Room, and the North Room. The kitchen is always open, though the cook’s hours vary. The water is always hot. Linens are provided. Newly furnished, the K&T B&B sports turn of the century woodwork, buffet, mantles, and fireplace with a quiet and comfy furniture selection. Both the Rose and Azure Room will sport cable-internet connections in the near future. The North room features direct access to the spacious front porch overlooking the Yard and the Street. Hot tea and hot chocolate as well as a selection of pastries are always available from the kitchen. There is a quaint bar serving choice selections for those desiring evening cocktails, and the dining room is decorated with trinkets form travels around the world. Going somewhere? The Back Porch offers storage space for that extra luggage. Need to fix something? Find the tool you need in the utility closet.

The K&T B&B is conveniently located near many attractions within the City, such as a free zoo, a large park, a golf course, a lake for boating and fishing, a swimming pool, and the fairgrounds that holds many events throughout the year. The Rose and Azure Rooms are reserved well in advance, but the North Room is kept available for drop in guests. Please, visit the K&T B&B for your next vacation getaway.

Ah, the joy of moving.

I really do like the new place. I just wish I had some way to magically bob my blond hair or wiggle my nose and make the stuff from Three move to Two and go where I wanted it to without the pain and struggle of moving. I do mean pain, too. Yesterday I was moving some stuff in a crate downstairs (ok, I admit, I was doing it stocking feet) and I slipped on the step. It was classic feet out from under you; box in the lap, sliding down the stairs to the door. No one saw me, but I bet it looked pretty funny. I keep finding bruises today that emanate from that little debacle.

Still, organizing a new place is fun. I love deciding where things are going to go and Katie and I accomplished most of the kitchen and bathroom last night. The best part is, for at least a day (hopefully much, much longer) the place will be organized and we’ll be able to find things. Ok, we’ll be able to find things if we remember where we put them.

Tonight is the rest of the kitchen, the rest of the bathroom, small parts of the living room, and dining room, and small parts of our bedrooms. The bigger parts, things that are bulky and heavy, will be moved on Saturday. Hopefully (fingers crossed) we’ll have bribed some strong, tall, male (and/or female) determined types to help us with that endeavor. Anyone want free pizza?!? All you have to do is help us move bulky furniture (and put up with us moving it ten times as we decide where it fits “just right”).

Katie started putting up her window scarves yesterday, which makes me want a curtain or window scarf of my very own to design. I have nice blinds, but this time I want something more ‘homey’ for the room. I think I’ll, like Katie, actually hang some pictures this time. I want the place to look like home. Maybe we’ll go to a few garage sales this spring and see what else we can scare up for the place.

Anyway, I’ll be out of touch all weekend and probably through Tuesday. The nice cable man can’t come until then to change our cable. We’ll be hooked up upstairs still, but I doubt we’ll be running up the stairs every hour or so to check the email. So, wish me luck on the move, and hopefully I’ll manage not to fall down the stairs again. I’ll update and maybe add some pictures of the new place next week.

Snowdays, snowmen...

An entire winter has almost swept itself through this northland. It has snowed many times, but there has only been that one biggish snowstorm in our area. This past Sunday evening however, we had our first packy snowfall of the season (this late, I know.) It was 54 degrees F on Saturday, gorgeous and not typical for February in Minnesota. It rained all day Sunday, and we lost any snow cover we had. Then, latish sunday night, it began to snow. Big fluffy flakes that just begged for a person to run outside and stick out one's tongue to catch a falling snowflake and let it melt in the mouth. Katie and I looked at each other late that evening, roughly 11PM and thought about the fact that enough snow had fallen to shovel. (we like our snow-income) On went the snowpants, the boots, the hats and mittens. On went the jackets, and down the stairs we went. We grabbed a shovel each and headed out into the snowflakey wonderland to shovel our walk. The snow was water underneath and made that satisfying 'scrinch, scrunch' noise that all good packy snow makes. Well, most of it did. Remember the rain? Some of it was slush under the snow on the walk, and really quite heavy to move. We shoveled just as quick as we could, and I did take the opportunity to stick out my tongue and taste the wintery precipitation. Towards the end of our shovelling, Katie and I had an idea. This was the first packy snow of the season, and while it was WAY to wet for snow angels, it was just right for snowballs. The first one flew, and the second, but the third...began to grow into a bigger ball. Then another followed it. A third made up the head of our little snowperson, who was really the size of a snowhobbit. He was only about 2.5-3 feet tall, and fit just wonderfully on the end of the stone walkway by the stairs that lead up to our home. He was quickly outfitted with rock eyes and nose and mouth, branch arms, and a pot for a hat. I don' t have the picture on this computer, but here is a link to Katie's picture of Frosty Appleseed. Very quickly on the other side of the stairs, a one foot miniature snowbrownie (for those who have seen Willow) was errected. He received no rocks for his face, our rocks were way to big, but we did add some branch arms. The next day (Monday, and the day of being nicked in the arse) was 40 degrees F, and very quickly in the warmth of the sun both our snowhobbit and snowbrownie went the way of all snow on a warm day...melt-splat down onto the sidewalk. But at least I can still say that I have gone all my walking years of winter without missing the chance to make at least one snowperson. Our two snowpeople were not as big as the one a few years ago; Katie and I required special leverage devices to make that 8 foot tall snowgiant, but they were just as important. Here's to hoping that we have at least one more chance at snowpeople this winter. I would greatly like to try to make a snowman, or even a snowelf.

I wonder how hard it would be to add pointy elf ears to a snowman?

On getting nicked in the arse...

Today has significance to many people in the US of A. It is the day of buying candy (especially chocolate), flowers, and cards for that significant person in your life, and generally being sweet and nice to them. This raises the question, however, what do you do the other 364 (or 365 on a leap year) days a year for this person? Why is it that a day needs to be specified in order to remember and be sweet to your sweetheart? Isn't that for anniversaries, and just generally everyday? I am wondering, do other countries carry the custom of Valentine's Day the way it's carried out in the US? I remember when I was little it was St. Valentine's Day, but it seems in the recent years people have decided to shorten the name. I remember giving out candy and silly little cards to all the people in my class, even the ones I wasn't particularly fond of. We'd put the valentines into a brown paper bag taped to that other person's desk. Mom made sure you had one for everyone.
Now, as an adult, it's a holiday full of chocolates and roses and come-hither glances. At least, that's what mainstream American Corporations would like you to believe. I know the truth, though! This day is actually a celebration of hundreds of thousands of people getting nicked in the arse. Yup, you heard it here. You see, I am no fool, and I've seen the cards. Thousands of tiny cherubs who have forgotten their apparel lay-in-wait for unsuspecting arses to shoot pointy little sticks at with their toy bows. If this is indeed a reference to Cupid then I say, "Zeus, come and rein-in that miscreant youth!" Seriously, though, I feel no need to be shot in the arse. I've survived 24 + years without it, and I can survive at least that many more. This isn't to say that I don't ever want to fall in love...I just prefer my backside the way it is. I don't need a day to tell me when I should be nice to someone. I don't need a designated day to tell me when to feel romantically inclined either. (Though, I should warn you, I do indeed enjoy the idea of a day specifically devoted to chocolate - Dark Chocolate especially - Yum!) Nope, cherubs, keep your bows pointed firmly at other’s backsides. As for St. Valentine’s Day, while it’s cute watching the couples all out in their splendor and seeing girls riding home on the bus with roses in their hands, I really do wonder what the world would be nice if we adopted the ideals of Valentine’s Day during everyday. Just think, people being nice to each other…and all that CHOCOLATE!

Yup, this sounds about right...

Pink, or Blue?

No, I’m not having a baby. I’m trying to pick a color for my new bedroom. I get to pick the paint color and it is quite the decision. Katie and I think the bedrooms should match, and probably the Landlord would agree with that, so we’re in the process of narrowing it down. We have it narrowed to a classical color, that will look good with beige carpet and dark woodwork…perhaps a vintage rose or something. Otherwise, the rest of the place is being repainted a khaki color. We’ll see how it looks when they’re done. Katie and I are still not sure of the move in date…and there is lots to do before hand. I would like to go through my clothes and find out what I can give to Goodwill. I have papers and such that need sorting, and the ‘attic stuff’ that accumulates and noone ever really knows what it is or what it’s for.

Did I mention the homework I’ll be doing in the meantime? No? It’s probably too scary a story for this late at night. I will have to leave it for another time. Right now I think I’ll have some tea and get ready for bed.

Comments are back. yay.

I decided on a whole new look. The things I'll do to procrastinate from homework! Anyway, I took the time to place my comments back on the page. (after remembering my password to said comment website). I will probably change a few more things about this template...but not just yet.

I'm trying to add a picture to my profile, here it goes.

We are Alone

First off, Happy Birthday to Katie, my best friend and roomie. May her “older than dirt” year be as nice as mine has so far. I raise my glass to you, amiga! We had peeps over to celebrate last night, but that is a story for the Katie to tell.

Hm, my computer has taken to randomly assigning headings to my documents. Interesting. That is on a different note though, and only applicable because I’ve taken to typing my blog entries in word first so I don’t loose them to the vastness of space that is the WWW.

Also on a note not related to what I started writing this entry for – my title has put a song in my head. One I often hear at a certain club in town. The lyrics there are “I stand alone” rather than “we are alone”, but…damn. Now that song will be in my head all night.

The real reason for stating that we are alone is that Katie and I are now alone in the Green and Yellow House. Two’s tenants moved out this weekend, and One has been empty for quite a while. It’s odd, there are only two cars in the parking lot, and no one to say hi at when one enters the building. On the positive side, now Katie and I can play our music loud and dance around like idiots and not bother anyone.

We still haven’t made a 100% decision on moving to the second floor. If only the gas bill wasn’t so high. If he’s willing to wait, even a month or so, perhaps, but this place is cute and so no worries on losing out on two. The biggest advantage would be knowing who our neighbors are (if Katie were to move back up to 3 w/ me and Jenny in 2) but if we don’t know who our neighbors will be, I’d just as soon be on the top floor.

I’m not procrastinating nearly as bad so far this semester as I did last. Oh, I’m not necessarily finishing things the day after their given out, but at least I’m not (yet) into the habit of starting something the day it’s due, or the night before at 11PM. Go me! Here’s to hoping it lasts.
Well, I’d best be off. Katie and I have to put the recycling out and I have to floss my teeth and journal a bit before bed.

OUCH!!!

This weekend was really quite painful. I love snow, and it finally came, but something about it just makes me lose some of my common sense I guess. This past Friday we finally got snow in more than a 'trace' amount. (About bloody time, too.) Totals were around 7 inches. Katie and I shoveled it all on Friday night. Ok, most of it as the snow was still falling at about 1 in/hr during the time we were shovelling. Saturday, the wind had 'helped' us out, and brought all the snow back to where we had made clean sidewalks, so we had to shovel again. Only on Saturday, the snow was packy. Ugh, but still in that novelty of fun stage.

Sunday I went skiing with Jenny A. and Lance. Yay. I've been trying to get out skiing with Jenny for quite a while. Hmm, I ended the night skiing anyway. I started by snowboarding. Last year was my first attempt at anything remotely sideways and I remembered two things about it. One-it was MUCH different from skiing, and two-it's painful when one falls at high velocities. (The second lesson I've learned on waterskies, regular skies, and rollerblades more than once in the last two years, but I seem to have to keep relearning it.) I also remembered catching on rather quickly...at least to the basics. So, off I went onto Lance's old snowboard with rented boots. I tried, and fell a LOT. Then I had lance adjust the bindings from a slightly carving stance to a 'regular' stance, and I was doing a lot better. I made it off the bunny hill and onto the regular greens. But after two hours I had fallen more than 50 times (or at least it felt that way) and I felt I had abused my muscles enough. Plus, I had forgotten my wristguards and I don't have a skiing helmet, and I refuse to go any faster without both for protection. So I switched to skies. Great fun, though after starting my skiing year with a board strapped to both feet and going sideways, it took a few runs to figure out two seperate ski-velocity-making instruments and forward momentum. Still, it wasn't crowded, and I had forgotten how much fun skiing is. Now I crave going West. Anyone game?

Below are pics from last years firt snowboard adventure. I don't have any from this year...Yet.

Here is the end result of said first snowboarding trip...one very wet pair of jeans. I guess waterproof snowpants are only SO waterproof.
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This is last year's first ever snowboard attempt. Rather early in the evening. Note I look happy?
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School isn't so bad...

...at least not yet. The school week is over and I’ve had three of my five classes. I’ll start the fourth next Monday and the fifth after spring break. So far so good but then, I’ve only had one class for each. It looks as though I’ll be spending much of my class time on field trips. I should have expected it in a class that has “field problems” in its name. That is one of my three hour classes. I am relieved that I will not be spending three hours a week every week in lecture for that one. My two hour IH applications class is similar to the class I had last semester by the same teacher. Part of the class is lecture, part is group work or work time. Again, even though long, it shouldn’t be too bad. My four hour lab class instructor has assured us that we shall not go the entire time for ‘most’ of the classes. I certainly hope so. Lab or not, four hours is rather a long time for me to concentrate. My Monday class, which I have not yet had, is a three hour lecture on control of exposure to physical and chemical hazards. I’m not really sure what to expect from this one, other than: 1. night class, 2. three hours, 3. all lecture (I think). It will probably be quite a bit like Air Borne Contaminants last semester. I expect to not be good at sitting still, and be rather loopy by the time class ends each evening. My ethics class starts after Spring Break, and lasts for the rest of the semester. Accelerated and on a subject people can argue about for days at a time. I’ve also heard the tests are icky and the teacher grades hard. Hopefully all will go well.

Today, in preparation for the field problems class, I went to the footwear store to buy my first pair of steel toed boots. I found out that the State pays for up to 100 dollars of said boots because they are required for safety reasons. So, out I marched to the nice safety shoes store and informed the nice salesman of what I wanted. A boot (not shoe), steel-toed, acid-resistant sole, and something that is comfortable enough to wear for an entire day. Tall order, but I think he managed to find me something. What is more, he managed to price it for 100 dollars, so nothing will be coming out of my pocket on these. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not just for school I need them. If I ever go along to an industrial spill site, I’ll need my steel-toe boots too. The boots of purchase are black, doc-martens, and have the necessary elements. They are a bit tight right now, but I was assured they would ‘stretch’ them for me.

Tonight, in preparation for the rest of my classes, I’m going to the bookstore to purchase my books. So far the only one I know that is required is a Ventilation book for my Monday night class. It will hit me for 112 dollars, so I really hope the rest of my books aren’t required. I know that three other classes “highly recommend” you purchase X or Y, but I’d like to see just how useful they are from borrowing the books on reserve at the library before hitting my pocketbook for over 100/book. Katie will be going along – if she is feeling not so under the weather as she did yesterday. She has one class at the U this semester, also a night class, also on Monday nights (but they don’t end at the same time).

All in all, I’m really happy to be back into the school/work routine. I like the money I receive when I work full time, but I was finding myself highly sick of filing. At least with part-time work, there are more varied jobs. (In full time, I’d finish the varied jobs too quickly and be stuck back with the filing.) Now, if I could only figure out what I’m doing about my summer field experience and my thesis topic, and find out if I have to do May classes, I’d be one happy little student. After all, I have a trip to New Zealand to plan, and I can’t start that until I know what I’m doing for work.

Float On
Whee! I did one of these silly tests and it actually came up with a song that I like and actually heard of.

Float On by Modest Mouse

"Bad news comes don't you worry even when it landsGood news will work its way to all them plans" Laid back and real, people appreciated you for you are in 2004.

What 2004 Hit Song are you?