June 26, 2007

An update, I suppose

It's time for a brain dump.  I have been posting like crap over the last few weeks.  Going through the house buying process will do that to you , I suppose.  Not to mention that I have to go to work and get that paycheck for the mortgage.....

Anyway, we are mostly settled.  Oh yeah, the house still looks like a box tornado hit it.  Boxes in every room.  But everyday the number of boxes decreases, and every day we get a little closer to "settled".

This weekend we focused on the backyard. We planted tomatoes and peppers and flowers.  We ripped out a bunch of trash (dying annuals) that the previous owners planted to make the house pretty.  Oh, and we mowed the lawn.  Yep, we bought a lawnmower. We also attacked the honeysuckle bush that grows over the top of our patio's arbor.  It was far to heavy for it's own good, and the growth underneath is dying from lack of sun, so we cut it way back. 

We're also trying out different types of squirrel repellent.  I hate the little bastards.  They ate ALL of our apricots, and are currently trying to duplicate that feat with the plums. DH says he's like Ralphie, and he wants a BB gun for Christmas.

I don't think he'll shoot his eye out, do you?

The list of things we want to do to the house keeps getting longer, as we get settled.  However, it's also getting pushed back by the list of things we NEED to do in the house.... like when the hot water in the shower mysteriously stops working all of a sudden...Needless to say, DH is now known far and wide as MASTER PLUMBER.  It was a $25 repair, the plumber would have charged me AT LEAST 10X as much.

Things at work are settling down, too.  My book chapter is in.  Not quite on time, but certainly not the last one, either.  I have been busy doing the part of my job that I refer to as "the other stuff": student business, community outreach, etc.  I sure as hell like this stuff better than being in the lab.

I know I haven't blogged about it much, but I have been keeping up with the news.  This Jessie Davis case has made me sick.  What the hell kind of asshole kills the mother of his child, and his unborn child when his wife already knows about them?  He had nothing to gain from killing Jessie and Chloe.  Not a damn thing.  And now his little boy will grow up without either of his parents.

And I must tell you, I am so glad this whole Paris Hilton crap is over. I STG I now know why people in other countries hate us and think we're weak.  We watch a billionaire's daughter get chauffered to and from jail.  And this is SUPPOSEWDLY IMPORTANT.  Never mind that people are fighting and dying in places most Americans can't find on a map, a rich blonde is going to jail!  Stop the presses!

Give me a friggin' break.

I'm still on the Fred bandwagon.  The more I hear from Fred, the more I like.  And the thing is, Fred and I may disagree on some issues, but he has the cojones to get the job done.  I really believe it.  Like Reagan, there's something about Fred that tells me he's got an agenda, and nothing is going to stop him from making it happen.  The comparison to Reagan, is especially apt, I think.  Not even because Fred is also an actor.  But maybe that gives him an edge, too.  He has ties outside of Washington, he's in touch with the rest of the world. I mean, heck, he has a BLOG!  He actually blogs (sometimes, the majority of the posts are excerpts from his daily commentaries).  And he's already spoken out on a number of very touchy issues that others won't touch: Cuba, Israel, National Health Care.

I suppose that's about it for now. I'm sure I'll think of something else later....

Oh, and it's been one year since we lost Acidman.  I still have him on the blogroll, listed as the "Evil Fairy Godfather"  which, in many ways, he was to me.  At least in the blogworld.  Rob was always good for a laugh, and he always spoke his mind, a rare enough trait in this world.  Rob introduced me to many many folks I am proud to call friends, and made me feel welcome when I was just a noob.

Rob wasn't everyone's cup of tea, but he was always a gentleman to me, and I loved him for it.

Why, Rob, did you have to drink so much? And leave the party so early?  We loved you just as well sober.  And I know you wanted to spend more time with Sam and Quinton and Mommie.

I wish I could have met you.  I tried, you know.  God damn food poisoning.  I thought we'd have more time, and more chances.

In my mind's eye there's a beach and a bar out there somewhere, and a guitar with soft strings, and wimmin with red toenails aplenty.... rest in peace.  Or not.  I suppose raising hell is more your style.

Posted by caltechgirl at June 26, 2007 05:55 PM | TrackBack
Comments

I do miss the Acidman.

On squirrels, though, you might consider making the acquaintance of this lovely lady. Deapite her protestations to the contrary, I strongly believe she made a twitcher of him.

Posted by: Ken S, Fifth String on the Banjo of Life at June 26, 2007 07:05 PM

And just for the record, I shoot squirrels for fun and profit.

Well, not profit in the sense that I make money from it, only in the sense that I tune up my shootin' eye for the next squirrel.

Posted by: Ken S, Fifth String on the Banjo of Life at June 26, 2007 07:07 PM

It's that kind of day, isn't it?? And we are just embarking on your path - well, the *moving* part, anyway.

So glad you are getting a chance to make the house your own - that's wonderful...

Posted by: Richmond at June 26, 2007 07:25 PM

Oh I know all about that house thing. The unpacking, the stuff you want to do, the stuff you have to do. One thing at a time and it will get done (or not *grin*)

On the BB gun - make it an air rifle - quiet is the key to not attracting the notice of the neighbors when you shoot the suckers. LOL. We had one of them get into our house the first Thanksgiving we were here!

Oh yeah - Run Fred Run!

Posted by: Teresa at June 26, 2007 07:49 PM

Yes DH will shoot his eye out, but he would look very piratey with a patch. Hmmmmmm.....pirate ....patch...shiver me timbers.....*wink wink*.

Posted by: Sarah D at June 26, 2007 10:24 PM

Gah. Squirrels. A big fat neighbor cat is really helpful at keeping them away.

The joys of home ownership! You never actually see the bottom of the list! It just keeps growing. But it's rewarding and it's worth it. And it's your OWN space!! Enjoy! And go, DH on the plumbing!!!

Posted by: Marie at June 27, 2007 04:18 AM

Ah, moving... What a relief it is once you get settled in, and can stay put for a spell. It's been eight years for me now in one spot, and that comes on the heels of moving 25 times in my first 25 years out of high school... I repeat, what a relief it is to get settled in and stay put for a while...

Posted by: Paul Burgess at June 27, 2007 05:50 AM

Thanks for the newsletter! :) I was wondering how things were going for ya'll.

Have you seen the "Fred On?" I almost peed my pants.

Posted by: Margi at June 28, 2007 10:05 AM

I like Fred. I actually have yet to hear or read any words from him that I disagree with. Maybe that will change, but right now I'm considering registering as a Republican for the sole purpose of voting for him in the primaries.

Posted by: gus3 at July 1, 2007 01:39 AM